Monday, September 4th
Devotional written by Pastor Brian Howard, Teaching Pastor
MY ENEMIES
To read today: 2 Samuel 22:1-4
I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and have been saved from my enemies. 2 Samuel 22:4
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This week, we will examine David’s song to the Lord in 2 Samuel 22. The inspired words of this song are instructive as we think about what it means to live and love like Jesus. The first thing we should notice is that this song is offered to the Lord, who “delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul” (2 Samuel 22:1). David was a man of God who trusted the Lord and had enemies that he could clearly identify. The two are not mutually exclusive.
For many Christians, the clear commands of Jesus to love one another precludes the possibility of having enemies. They think that if we are called to love, we must see everyone as our ally and friend. But notice that Jesus assumed we would have enemies when He commanded us to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Like David, the followers of Jesus can and will have enemies in this world. And while we are called to love and pray for them, we cannot be deceived into believing that there is no one who seeks to do us harm.
The enemies in your life may be people, like King Saul, who seek to harm you. These people actively look for ways to tear you down and harm you and your family. The enemy may be a life circumstance, like illness, family struggles, financial crisis, or emotional distress. The enemy may be a besetting addiction or sin you cannot break free from. For some, the enemy is complacency, temptation, bitterness, cynicism, or anger. Finally, for all of us, the enemy is Satan and his demons, who seek to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).
This week as we study David’s song, I want you to identify your enemy. Just as David knew he needed to be delivered from the hand of Saul, make sure you are clear on the enemy in your life. Only then can you call on the name of the Lord, asking Him to save you from that enemy by His power and grace.
For Today: Ask the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, to save you from the enemies in your life.
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