The Archer

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up
Psalm 5:3

As the archer took one last, scrutinizing look at his target, he reached into his leather quiver for the arrow. With precision he touched the notched arrow to the bow and raised it from the ground. Once the arrowhead was pointed at its target, there was no turning back. If he chose to raise the bow, then his decision would have to be final. If the prey saw the hesitation in his draw, the game would be over. Now was not the time for him to be thinking of what he should do. Now he was face to face with his adversary.

This current situation was not one which was new to the experienced archer. The archer had thought through the process long before he took the field of competition. His decision was not made in the present. You see, it was years earlier, during the archers practice time, he decided what he would do when faced with his current situation. He knew what conditions would have to be present for the bow to be raised and the draw to be made. Accuracy and precision were only half the battle the archer would have to win. The other half of the battle for the archer was his decision not to balk when the game was on the line.

Now was the time. His practice had paid off. He knew just what to do. He did not worry about the repercussions of his actions. They were already decided. The conditions were right. The time was now. His practice had paid off. Now those long days and nights seemed worth it. Now his blood and sweat were paying the dividends he had hoped they would. With arrowhead pointed and the bow drawn, the archer released the fatal shot.

Our spiritual life is much like that of the archer. My friend, the heat of the battle is not the time to determine what you will do. This decision should have been made long before the battle started. The psalmist makes that declaration as seen in this psalm. His determination is unmistakable. He uses the definite verbs “shalt” and “will”. He wanted his people to know that his mind was made up long before the battle started. He would not shutter in war because he had solidified his standing years before. My friend, determine to stand for God long before the fiery darts of the wicked assail you. Do not be blindsided because you forgot to prepare. Today is the day you determine to succeed. This is the day your life should count for God. Yesterday is a fleeting memory and tomorrow is not promised. Today is your day of determination.