1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17 / Acts 23:11-35 / Psalm 3 / Proverbs 18:14-15
We’ve talked about enemies before, but I want to talk about them again. I’m not used to having enemies because I’m a kind, warm person and I work hard to forgive. That said, forgiveness is for me so if others choose to remain an enemy, that is upon their shoulders and not mine. I have forgiven everyone as far as I am aware, and I work hard to keep it that way.
I used to say I had no enemies, but today the Lord had me look up the word because sadly there are those who have made themselves enemies. Enemy means a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone. The Strong’s Concordance also mentions an adversary which means one’s opponent in a contest, conflict or dispute.
It hurts my heart to say that I have people who feel this way toward me. But I’m grateful to say that I have forgiven any who take this stance. When I’m facing an enemy or adversary, where is God? What does He promise? Psalm 3 speaks very well to this and offers some help and relief.
Verse 3 states But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
Verses 5-6 I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side.
Verse 7 Arise, O Lord! Rescue me, my God! Slap all my enemies in the face! (Okay, that made me laugh a little too much! And it would kinda be nice to see that one….)
The Lord is my shield, my glory, and He lifts my head. Shield is magen which means a defense or protector, like the scales of a crocodile (nothing is getting through!) Glory is kabod which means honor, dignity and reputation (I don’t need to worry about my reputation because the Lord is my reputation!) He lifts my head is rum and means He exalts or promotes me to high places, He holds me up and He sets me high (this is a great vantage point to see everything around me!)
That is exciting enough all by itself, but then when I read that I don’t have to be afraid even when ten thousand enemies are surrounding me (which I’m sure there are times that’s true, if not always), I’m astonished at the protection the Lord gives me simply because I belong to Him.
I didn’t earn His protection; it appears to be a condition of our relationship. I have come under the protection of the King. If that doesn’t make us confident and unafraid, I don’t know what will! That gives me such courage to know that I’m surrounded by the Lord and His heavenly army. They are protecting me and even lifting me higher than my enemy. That’s amazing to me. The God of the universe protects me… Wow!
So, it doesn’t matter the view of my enemy on the subject. The Truth tells me I’m protected and surrounded by God. It is from this place I approach life. I will no longer approach my enemies from unforgiveness, bitterness, or anger. I will continue to forgive them every time something happens, and I will live in peace and safety!
