By this I know that You are pleased with me, because my enemy does not triumph over me. Psalm 41.11

God’s response in regard to the spiritual condition of David was given on the battlefield.

The moments that decided whether David would win or lose happened before combat. It was not the weapons he used, the number of soldiers he had or the strategy he used, it was because he acknowledged his dependence on God.

This dependence was seen when David raised an altar and presented a perfect sacrifice, which went up to the Lord like a sweet aroma. This always repeated moments before his army fought.

The sacrifice guaranteed David would have the Lord of Hosts going before him to fight his enemies. Victory was certain.

The same happened with Gideon, who with only a few men, trumpets and pitchers in hand, destroyed a huge army of Midianites. This was only possible because he destroyed the altar of Baal, built an altar to the Lord and sacrificed an ox, which represented his family’s livelihood. And God immediately went before Gideon.

The Lord shall go forth like a mighty man; He shall stir up His zeal like a man of war. He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud; He shall prevail against His enemies. Isaiah 42.13

It is true that those who do not consider having the Lord in the forefront of their battle will consequently end up regretting their failure.