Psalm 31:
13 I hear many enemies whispering;
terror is all round me.
They are making plans against me,
plotting to kill me.
14 But my trust is in you, O Lord;
you are my God.
15 I am always in your care;
save me from my enemies,
from those who persecute me.
16 Look on your servant with kindness; save me in your constant love.
I have often thought of David and all the time he spent literally running for his life. Here is a young man who was tending sheep. Then one day he is chosen to become the next King of Israel. Then he sets out on an errand for his dad. A simple errand turns into a major turning point in his life. He goes from Shepard boy to giant killer in a matter of moments. The boy wonder of Israel!
I liken it to a high school student who gets drafted to play a pro baseball. He has miles of potential but is green behind the ears… So to speak. Due to team injuries, he gets called on to play. This is his chance. Does he have what it takes? With no time to think, he steps on the Big Stage. The crowd, the lights, the pressure. How will he respond?
He harkens back to his freshman year in high school. New to the bigger stage, he is eager to make a good impression. He does. Time and time again he rises to the challenge. He is realizing that he has what it takes. He is gifted and blessed. Though not perfect, he is experiencing success – quietly making a name for himself on the small stage.
Re-remembering his prior high school victories helps settle him down. Calms his nerves. He reminds himself that he does have what it takes. He can do this. He thanks God for the past smaller victories and the larger ones to come. He steps to the plate, bringing his favorite old bat…. And hits a home run!
Then, for some unknown reason, he gets sent to the teams single A club. He goes from hero- an overnight success , to a young man fighting for his life. Back on the small road, Trying to make sense of it all. People are talking- voices of doubt, fear, jealousy. He does not know who to trust. He feels so alone. Bewildered and feeling forsaken, he struggles with his new lot in life. He tells God how he feels- letting it all out! All his doubts, fears, frustrations and sorrows. But, thankfully, he always chooses to submit to His sovereign God. Trusting Him with his life. Remembering that He is good and great. Telling himself the truth!
Back to David….. Do you think all the enemies he refers to are physical in nature? Real live people? I don’t think so. Just like us, he faced both physical and spiritual enemies. I believe that David was very aware of all the spiritual forces seeking to take him out. To render his life ineffective! Satan spends extra time and resources on those who have a heart after God. He knows that the Glory of God is Man Fully Alive!
So, he goes to great lengths, trying to “take out” the man or woman who’s heart is after God. I know from personal experience – the closer I get, the more alive I become to Christ in me…. The greater the battle- and fiercer the opposition. I am reminded of John 10:10
John 10:10
New Living Translation (NLT)
10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
If you are seeking God with all your heart… You must be ready for the thief and his purposes. His greatest opposition is OUR FAITH! So, his goal and mission is to STEAL, KILL AND DESTROY OUR FAITH.
I close with this promise and reminder from Jesus.
John 16:33
New International Version (NIV)
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
TAKE HEART! Jonathan
