Do You know your enemy?

READ PSALM 83

Psalm 83:4(ESV)

⁴ They say, “Come, let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be remembered no more!”

Everything that happens in the physical world has its roots in the spiritual world. That means everything you experience in the physical first began in the spiritual. You might think your enemy is a person, place, or a thing, but it is not!

Your real enemies are the spiritual forces of darkness in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12(ESV)

¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

This is especially true among the nations and amongst political leaders. We choose political sides and think the other side is the enemy, completely neglecting the unseen spiritual battle that rages on. Which is why the Bible tells us to pray for our leaders every day. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Let's take a closer look at the Psalms to gather evidence. As we have gone through this journey through the Psalms you have probably noticed an ongoing theme. There are enemies at work who wish to destroy you. These enemies don't want to simply harm you, they seek to eliminate God and His people from the face of the earth.

What does that tell you?

It tells you that your real enemy is Satan and the demonic forces who influence God's creation to choose their evil ways over God's ways. Demonic forces have set their hearts on destroying anyone and anything that represents God. That means people, leaders, and nations.

Don't believe me? Look at how Jesus describes himself and the devil:

John 10:10(ESV)

¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

1 Peter 5:8 tells us the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Here is what that means for you. It is not enough for the devil to simply turn your heart against God. The devil only has destruction in mind, and that is because the devil hates God the Father, the Creator of all things.

And you, my friend, are an image bearer of God. Every time the devil sees your face it is a reminder that God created you. That means your mere existence causes him to hate you, steal from you, deceive you, kill you, and destroy you.

But don't let that frighten you. Let it drive you into the arms of Jesus, who promises to give you life more abundantly.

Psalm 83, therefore, is a reminder to be vigilent in prayer. Seek the Lord in His Word and stay alert. The nation of Israel had enemies that wanted to eliminate them from history. And throughout generations the devil has tried to wipe out the Jewish people time and again. But God has been good and He has preserved a remnant of His people.

If you need a Psalm of God's protection feel free to read ahead (Psalm 91). But we'll get to that Psalm soon enough.

In the meanwhile, know this. Those who pursue God will always have an enemy, and that enemy is a liar, a deceiver, a tempter, and a murderer. His name is Satan. So stop thinking your enemy is anyone or anything else but him!

Pursue God with your whole heart, stay alert, be in prayer, and know that your real enemy has already lost the war to Jesus!

Josh Huisman is the senior pastor of Crosswalk Church in Brentwood, TN. If you would like to support this website and make it possible for this page to stay active and these devotions to reach a wider audience, CLICK HERE

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