Some of you are getting up this morning knowing that going to work means you are facing the enemy. Co-workers or even a boss that have been fierce in their dislike of you can make work seem like a battlefield.
It’s possible that your enemy is even closer than that. It may be a neighbor that is intent on making your life miserable or it could be someone living in your own home. You might be living with the thoughts of past failures and disappointments. You could be your own worst enemy.
Before David was anointed king of Israel, Saul tried to kill him time after time; he was pursued relentlessly through the deserts of Israel.
II Samuel, chapter 22, is a song David wrote and sang after he had once again escaped Saul’s pursuit. I encourage you to take time to read the whole chapter – David’s heart is one of praise for all God has done. I believe that David’s daily experiences are so much more intense than any of ours could ever be and so we can learn from him.
“He makes me free from those who hate me. You lift me above those who come against me. You save me from the man who wants to hurt me. 50 So I will give thanks to You among the nations, O Lord. I will sing praises to Your name. 51 With great power He saves His king. He shows loving-kindness to His chosen one, to David and his children forever.” II Samuel 22:49-51 NLV
All through the Bible we see examples of the Lord delivering His children from their enemies. Sometimes the Lord took them out of the danger, sometimes their enemies were destroyed in battle, and sometimes the Lord kept them safe in the midst of the danger. In each and every situation God could be trusted.
“He is the God Who punishes those who have done wrong to me. He puts nations under my rule. 48 He saves me from those who hate me. Yes, You lift me above those who rise up against me. You save me from those who want to hurt me. 49 So I will give thanks to You among the nations, O Lord. And I will sing praises to Your name.” Psalm 18:47-49 NLV
You may feel surrounded, like there’s no way out but there is.
“The Lord your God is with you, a Powerful One Who wins the battle. He will have much joy over you. With His love He will give you new life. He will have joy over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NLV
Give thanks today – not for the persecution but for the deliverance from the attacks of evil and violent men.