All of us have undoubtedly been disliked by someone and sometimes for no apparent reason. It might be jealousy or they may simply have had a bad day. It’s not a great feeling for us either way!
However, we have enemies out there that are not flesh and blood.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
God gives us armor for the battle as Paul goes on to explain in verses 14-18: Truth, Righteousness, the Gospel of Peace, Faith, Salvation, God’s Word and Prayer.
I think Paul saved the “Big Guns” for last: Salvation, the Bible and Prayer. David’s prayer in Psalm 59:1-17 is wonderful for both human and spiritual adversaries. You should read the whole passage, but I wanted to give you a couple of excerpts:
1 Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;
Defend me from those who rise up against me.
2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity,
And save me from bloodthirsty men.
Notice David’s plea for mercy so that God’s power might be revealed.
11 Do not slay them, lest my people forget;
Scatter them by Your power,
And bring them down,
O Lord our shield.
Finally, David continues in an attitude of worship despite his enemies because he knows and trusts that God is greater and will keep him safe.
16 But I will sing of Your power;
Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning;
For You have been my defense
And refuge in the day of my trouble.
17 To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises;
For God is my defense,
My God of mercy.
SEEK FIRST THE
