In the Old Testament, the enemies of Israel waited for the harvest. When the crops grew, the Midianites swept down and stole the food. Gideon had to thresh wheat in a winepress at night just to hide it.

David had mighty men who refused to lose their food. One man named Shammah stood in the middle of a lentil patch.


"But he stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory."2 Samuel 23:12 (NKJV)

The Greek word for sword is (machaira) μάχαιρα — "sword, dagger." The sword represents the Word of God. Shammah fought because he knew his family needed the food to survive.

The enemy wants to rob you of your spiritual harvest. He uses distractions, busy schedules, and notifications to keep you from the Bible. He knows that if you do not eat, you will become weak.

You must defend your time in the Word. Treat it as a matter of survival. Stand your ground against every interruption.

Your time in the Word is your harvest; stand your ground and protect it.