Psalm 25:19-20

Scripture

Look upon my enemies, for they are many, and they hate me with violent hatred. Guard my soul and deliver me; do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You.

Observation

Ephesians 6:11-13 describes our enemy and his army; indeed both the devil  and his army hate those who love Jesus with a violent hatred.  Our enemy is so cunning that he has all but convinced many of us that he doesn't exist.  Or that he is cool and harmless.

For David, his enemy was real.  He could see their constant pursuit of his life.  I guess in that respect he had an advantage. Unlike many of us who are blinded by the fact that our lives are being pursued every day.  1 Peter 5:8 say's that we should be of sober mind, for our enemy, the devil, prowls around like a lion waiting for someone to devour.

My kids and I love to watch animal planet and we have watched a lion hunt his prey more then once. When the lion hunts he doesn't go after the strong.  The lion won't go after those protected.  The lion instead goes after the sick, weak, and isolated. Even the ones who may have not realized that they are outside of protection, they have gradually just wandered off.  When the alarm sounds, they look up and can see clearly that they are in real danger.

David realizes the danger that he is in and he knows that if he is not in the center of God's will, he is not safe. So David humbles himself and asks God for refuge.

Application

I try to get in the word and prayer everyday so in that respect I am armored up. However,  I am a introvert by nature, so when I am hurting or empty my initial reaction is to isolate myself.   Proverbs 18:1 say's that he who separate's himself seeks his own desire and he quarrels against all sound wisdom.  Right now I am grieving the loss of a ministry that I loved dearly.  God is speaking to me everyday and refreshing me with His Spirit, but I need to call upon both His wisdom and strength and commune with other believers. So that I don't find myself isolated and in serious danger.

Prayer

Father, You search me and know my inmost being.  You know when I sit and when I rise and You perceive my thoughts from afar.  Each of my day's have already been written down since before the world began (Psa. 139).  You know that my introverted and shy nature can cause me to isolate myself.  I praise You O Lord for Your love for me despite this weakness.  I also praise You Lord, because You are strong when I am weak (2 Cor. 12:10).  I call on your name Jesus, and ask that You shield my way.  I take refuge in Your love My King, for You provide everything I need to stand firm against the schemes of the devil( Eph. 6:11).