“When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.”
Psalm 27:2
David knew a lot about being pursued by enemies. The Philistines were foes of Israel, and there was continual and brutal warfare between the nations. Even as a young boy, he heard the taunt of their champion, Goliath, and claimed victory in the name of the God of Israel (see 1 Samuel 17).
Saul, the king of Israel, also became David’s enemy and tried to kill him on several occasions. David had served well, but jealousy drove King Saul to lose perspective and look at David through murderous eyes. God mercifully spared David’s life. Then after Saul died and David became king, his own son rose up in rebellion to steal the kingdom. In Psalm 42 David talks about the enemies within himself. His soul is so downcast and discouraged that he mourns with depression and even physical agony.
There is no lack of enemies in today’s world either. Wars abound; violence is common. Mental health issues from it affect people, even those of us who walk in faith. But like David, we call upon our ever-faithful God to be with us in the presence of enemies.
Saul, the king of Israel, also became David’s enemy and tried to kill him on several occasions. David had served well, but jealousy drove King Saul to lose perspective and look at David through murderous eyes. God mercifully spared David’s life. Then after Saul died and David became king, his own son rose up in rebellion to steal the kingdom. In Psalm 42 David talks about the enemies within himself. His soul is so downcast and discouraged that he mourns with depression and even physical agony.
There is no lack of enemies in today’s world either. Wars abound; violence is common. Mental health issues from it affect people, even those of us who walk in faith. But like David, we call upon our ever-faithful God to be with us in the presence of enemies.
Scripture Focus
Psalm 27:1-3
Insight
“Why are you so downcast, O my soul? … Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 41-42
- Psalm 21
- Mark 1
