Do you need a Breakthrough in your Life?

Whether the thing that is holding you back is a habit, a stronghold of sin, a prayer need, a difficult relationship, a job situation, a family struggle or any other obstacle, a breakthrough is available to each of us. As we will learn from the life of David, needing a breakthrough puts you in good company.

The Lord of the Breakthrough

What is a breakthrough? In human terms, a breakthrough is required when an impassable situation or impenetrable difficulty cannot be overcome through one’s own efforts. In the spiritual realm, there is no victory to be found in human maneuvering and machinations to defeat the world, the flesh and the Devil. The LORD of the breakthrough is the only one who can ensure victory in every area of our lives.

The Lord provides David with His breakthrough, when he is finally recognized by all of Israel as their anointed king, after being on the run from King Saul for over 10 years.

A Covenant with Hebron

“Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, ‘Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. Previously, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and in. And the LORD said to you, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be a ruler over Israel.’” So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them before the LORD at Hebron; then they anointed David king over Israel” (2 Samuel 5:1-3).

Jehovah Tz’vaot

What a victorious time it must have been! David is recognized by Israel, and subsequently captures Zion (Jerusalem) from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:7). Through it all, God equipped David with all he needed to succeed in his reign.

“David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of hosts was with him” (2 Samuel 5:10).

The name for God that Scripture uses here is Jehovah Tz’vaot (God of the heavenly armies). After being anointed King of Israel, David had to wage war against the enemies of his kingdom. David required Jehovah Tz’vaot to be with him in battle.

Fearing David’s growing power, the Philistines decide to attack, mobilizing their armies and marching to the Valley of Rephaim, less than a mile away from Jerusalem. Here in this valley, the Philistines arrayed their considerable forces to conquer David and his army.

God’s Grace is seen in every Breakthrough

We read that David went down to his stronghold. Some commentators think that this verse refers to the Cave of Adullam while others believe he retreated to the fortified city of Jerusalem. The exact location is not our concern, but rather what David does there.

“Then David inquired of the LORD, saying, ‘Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?’ And the LORD said to David, ‘Go up. For I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand’” (2 Samuel 5:10).

Warfare Preceded by Worship & Prayer

Acknowledging that he cannot defeat his enemy unless the LORD delivers the victory, David’s warfare is preceded by worship and prayer. The following verse gives an account of this quick and decisive battle.

“So, David came to Baal-Peratzim and defeated them there; and he (David) said, ‘The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like the breakthrough of waters.’ Therefore, he named that place Baal-Peratzim (The Lord of the Breakthrough)”(2 Samuel 5:20).

God’s Faithfulness

Here we see that God broke the mighty Philistine army in half through the bursting forth of waters, a tsunami from God, whose irresistible force shattered the enemies who would seek to destroy David and the nation of Israel.

To commemorate this victory, David names the location Baal-Peratzim, acknowledging God as the source of the breakthrough and triumph. David also wrote about God’s faithfulness to escape the traps and snares of the enemy.

The Only One Who can Deliver

“Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 124:7, 8).

Shabar, the Hebrew word for “broken” used in Psalm 124, is a synonym for peretz, (the breaker). Both words convey the idea that only God can break through the ranks of our enemies and foil their deceitful traps. How difficult is it to defeat the deceitfulness of our own flesh? Or to break through the impenetrable walls of discouragement through our own strength? As I fight the good fight of faith, I need the Lord of the Breakthrough every day to fight on my behalf as I entrust myself into His hands. He is the only one who can deliver me from the evil snares of the enemy of my soul.