Facing our enemies
READ: Psalm 6
Have you ever gone through something that really shook you up? Maybe it was a test your studied really hard for or a paper that you tried your best on, and you still got a bad grade. Maybe the guy or girl you’ve been dating for a while suddenly dumps you. Maybe you made a stupid decision, and now you’re paying the consequences. Maybe you hurt someone with your words or actions, and now you’re feeling guilty and you’ve lost their trust…
The enemies and foes of David’s time were often physical enemies, armies from opposing countries that were attacking him. But David also faced other enemies, enemies like his supposed friend Saul and his own son Absalom. Our friends and family may sometimes seem like our enemies because of the sinful things they (and we) do or say. We don't know the enemy David was referring to, but we have some enemies in common with David, enemies that have been around almost since the world was created – the spiritual enemies of the devil, the sinful world, and our own sinful nature.
Whether physical enemies or spiritual enemies, we need help! And David shows us where to turn. Because of Jesus, the LORD knows our anguish, he hears our weeping, and he listens and accepts our prayers. No matter how big or small your enemies, in faith turn to God in prayer. We have this promise from our Jesus himself, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: Is there anything that God doesn’t care about in our lives? Should we only call on God in prayer in times of trouble? Should we always expect to get the answer we want?
THINGS TO PRAY ABOUT: Thank God that he listens to us and answers us. Thank God for all the times he delivers you from harm or hardship, and for giving his Son Jesus to redeem us.