The enemies of believers are not flesh and blood even though Satan may use the flesh of willing hosts to attack and malign. The true enemy of our souls is Satan and he tries to use our weaknesses, confuse our minds, and lead us on a journey of wandering faith; searching for greener pastures of greater pleasure. He is the deceiver and destroyer of the faithful—those who are called into the royal priesthood of God’s family (1 Peter 2:9).
Believers wear the royal righteous robe of our Christ and, as we serve our King wholeheartedly, we share his authority. We also connect with our Servant Lord and share in his priestly calling to serve others by inviting them into the Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit. Satan is real and his mission is clearly displayed throughout Scripture, so we must know who we are in Christ and refuse to give the enemy any dominion or influence.
In our passage today, David has his back against the wall; the enemies of his soul are trying to take him down and gain control. If the enemy get’s a foothold, it does not only affect David but the entire tribe of Judah [translates praise]. When Satan gains dominion, praise to God dwindles. David is cornered, so he prays, praises, waits, and listens for the Lord’s Wisdom and Word to guide his steps. He places his confident hope in the Lord.
There is a great deal we can learn from this lesson, because Satan is relentless in trying to shake the faith of Christ’s beloved. We are a threat to the power of darkness as we shine the Light of the Righteous One whom alone carries the banner of victory. Satan wants no part of God’s Kingdom on earth, so he fights to preserve his evil reign and territory.
We must take God at his promise and trust him to be our Deliverer, our Stronghold, and our Rock of Salvation. Keep in mind Satan uses our humanity against us: feelings, fear, deception, disappointment, discouragement, compromise, betrayal, and weariness. If you are struggling with your humanity and feel cornered by Satan’s lies, please pray, sit quietly in a posture of praise thanking God for his faithfulness, and wait for the Lord to guide your next steps. He will lead you out of danger and into safe pastures to restore your soul [Ps 23].
Psalm 62:1-8 NLT A Psalm of David
1
I wait quietly before God,
for my victory comes from him.
2
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will never be shaken.
3
So many enemies against one man—
all of them trying to kill me.
To them I’m just a broken-down wall
or a tottering fence.
4
They plan to topple me from my high position.
They delight in telling lies about me.
They praise me to my face
but curse me in their hearts.
5
Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
6
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
7
My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
8
O my people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge.
Prayer: Lord, your Word reminds us no weapon formed against us shall prosper, so we cling to that promise and put on the sacrifice of praise when we are weary and need your rescuing strength. Thank you for coming to bring us victory when the enemy comes to destroy. We praise and bless you for your faithfulness to us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.