Enemy at the Gates
The enemy I take it to refer to the Devil who constantly tempts us. Satan constantly is at war with God and never ceases in trying to bring opportunities to cause me to stumble. No doubt God places or allows these things to test us and to refine us, but nevertheless I being a fallible man often fail His test and succumb to the devil's temptations.
It is painful to fall. After telling myself earlier that I would do such and such, and after all the high promises that I made with regards to my allegiance to God. Even more so when one is supposed to be a servant of God.
Each time I fall, I can't help but envision the devil laughing saying "There he goes again..." as expressed by the psalmist in verse 4. It feels almost as if in response God has chosen to respond in disgust by abandoning me, by turning away to the other side and not look at me any further. "How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul? How long will my enemy have an upper hand?" (verse 2) I cry out to God as the devil and minions plot against me and seek to cause my faith and hope to waver.
The answer to such bitterness is seen in verses 5 and 6. Firstly, trust wholeheartedly in the Lord despite the circumstances. Like the tree mentioned in Psalm 1, my trust will be strongly rooted in God the Living water in all seasons and not be easily blown like that chaff.
Secondly, trust is followed by rejoicing in all circumstances. Rejoice in the Lord in all circumstances as Paul spoke to the Philippians whilst in chains in the cold dark cell (Philippians 4:4). The great rejoicing that is supernatural and comes from the instilling of the Holy Spirit in me, will comfort me and still this heart of mine even in the most dire of circumstances. Knowing that God will not abandon me for He has promised great things; knowing that He has great plans for me; knowing that all events whether good or bad are under His authority and to fulfil His purpose. Most importantly, knowing that I have been rescued from certain eternal death and that nothing can separate me from the love of God (Romans 8:39) should be enough reason to celebrate.
Finally, through trust in the Lord that cultivates a sense of unwavering joy that cannot be unseated, my outward expression of gratitude must be one of singing and worship to God Himself. I will openly declare His goodness for me even when in suffering, I will sing and worship Him with a joyful heart and all that I do in response to the situation will be done as a worship to Him. Every step taken done in accordance to God's laws and all done in the best manner I can afford, knowing that this is a small token sacrifice upon the altar of God.
Trust, Joyfulness, Worship. God's shield for us against despair and hopelessness.
Created over 1 year ago
