Battling Enemies

Sword of the Spirit

O LORD, I have so many enemies; so many are against me.  So many are saying, "God will never rescue him!" But you, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head high.  I cried out to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy mountain.

I lay down and slept.  I woke up in safety, for the LORD was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side.

David's Battle: His Enemies

Even though David was a great guy and loved people, people didn't always love him.  Time and time again, enemies rose up against him.  It seemed like every time he would do something great, another enemy would rise up to make life difficult for him.  But David understood something about fighting the enemy that we could all stand to learn.  Maybe it went all the way back to his fight with the giant, Goliath.  David understood that God was on his side.  The Lord always heard his cries, even when he felt completely alone.  Here's the really cool part… Even when all of David's enemies lined up and harassed him, David learned not to be afraid.  In the face of his enemies, he conquered his fear!  Talk about fighting like a King!  A good king always has to rise above his fears and act with strength.  David did that!  Besides, he knew that it was just a matter of time before his enemies were disgraced.  They would end up embarrassed and ashamed, and he would end up victorious.

Strategic Questions:

What is the worst kind of damage our enemies can do to us?
How do we "fight" our enemies without actually fighting with them?
Is it possible to turn an enemy into a friend?

Putting On Your Armor:

The Bible is pretty clear about what it takes to fight our enemies.  We aren't strong enough, in ourselves, to do this.  We have to trust God to fight this battle.  Sometimes we do the wrong thing be fighting our enemies in the wrong way.  We get caught up in the battle and things get ugly – on both sides.  This is where we have to play it cool.  We can't ever tear others down in order to build ourselves up.  That's not the way it works.

S.O.S. (Speaking to Our Savior in prayer)

Dear Father,

Sometimes I feel like I have more enemies than friends!  Please remind me that you are a friend who sticks closer than a brother and that your will always be on my side!  Help me to know how to deal with my enemies, and to remember that you love them as much as you love me.  Thank You, Lord!  Amen.

Which Side Are You On?  (Thought for the Day)

Have I created any enemies?