We Journey On
Hello Bride of Christ,
Enemy. It’s a word that instantly stirs emotion—fear, anger, anxiety, even despair. Whether it’s a person, a situation, or an internal battle, enemies disrupt our peace and pull us off course. But what if these moments of opposition aren’t the end of the story? In Scripture, we see a powerful pattern: God speaks into chaos and reorients His people. From the garden of Eden to the life of David, the enemy's attack often becomes the setting for God’s redemption. “What the enemy meant for evil, God meant for good” (Genesis 50:20, NKJV). This month, we’ll explore how God’s voice helped Adam and Eve move forward after the fall, how David found praise amid pressure, and how we, too, can learn to hear God in dark moments—finding light, hope, and purpose even when surrounded by opposition.
Garden Lessons
Last month we observed God’s voice, orienting Adam and Eve in the garden. After the fall, Adam and Eve faced loss, shame, and exile—yet God didn’t leave them in confusion. He spoke. And His words gave them direction. Adam responded by embracing the woman and naming her Eve, meaning “life-giver.” He accepted God's garments, adapted to their new reality (Genesis 3:24), and moved forward. From that place of obedience came new life: Cain ("acquired") and Abel ("breath")—a sign of growth even in brokenness (Genesis 4:1–2, NKJV).
Scripture affirms this truth: “What the enemy meant for evil, God meant for good” (Genesis 50:20, NKJV). God redeems what seems lost.
A King’s Cry to God
Similarly, David’s life was marked by relentless opposition, yet he never allowed despair to take root in his heart. In every season—from national enemies like the Philistines who pursued him daily (Psalm 56), to treacherous counselors like Ahithophel who once walked beside him as a friend (Psalm 55), David brought his pain and fear before God. The Edomites, the Ziphites, King Saul, and others—all plotted against him (Psalms 60, 54, 57, and 59). But rather than retaliate in his own strength, David cried out to the God of justice and mercy.
In Psalms 55 through 60, we hear the voice of a king—not proud and invincible, but broken, raw, and utterly dependent on divine deliverance. These psalms give us a window into David’s soul and remind us that victory begins on our knees.
A King’s Testimony
David, one of Israel’s greatest warriors, understood that the most effective battle plan was not drawn with swords or shields, but forged in prayer and sealed with praise. His deep relationship with the living God taught him that true victory flows from surrender to God's power. Rather than allowing the constant assault of enemies to embitter his heart, David allowed those battles to deepen his worship. His soul became more steadfast, his praise more powerful.
Psalm 66 captures this triumphant spirit of a warrior-king who has seen God fight for him:
“Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You; they shall sing praises to Your name.’” (Psalm 66:3–4, NKJV)
He urges us to join the chorus:
“Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard, who keeps our soul among the living, and does not allow our feet to be moved.” (Psalm 66:8–9, NKJV)
Journey On
Bride of Christ, let us learn from both our garden ancestors and King David. The path to victory lies in prayerful dependence and in lifting high the praise of our Deliverer. When opposition surrounds us, may our response be like David’s—running to the presence of God and lifting our voices in worship.
Let us be those who boldly testify, as David did:
“Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul.” (Psalm 66:16, NKJV)
Victory is assured—not because of our might, but because of our God. So journey on, and let His praise be ever on your lips.
June’s Journal Prompt:
The list below offers a quick reference to Psalms where David names his enemies and pours out his heart to God. Choose one as your guide for adoration this month—use it as a template to cry out to God for help in your own battles and to praise Him in advance for the victory He will bring. Remember, the Psalms are meant to be put into our mouths—spoken aloud, sung, and meditated on—so that their truth takes root deep within us.
Psalm 55 – Betrayal by a close friend (Ahithophel)
“For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; then I could bear it... But it was you, a man my equal, my companion and my acquaintance.” (Psalm 55:12-13, NKJV)
“As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me.” (Psalm 55:16, NKJV)
Psalm 56 – Under threat from the Philistines
“My enemies would hound me all day, for there are many who fight against me, O Most High.” (Psalm 56:2, NKJV)
“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3, NKJV)
Psalm 57 – Fleeing from Saul in the cave
“My soul is among lions; I lie among the sons of men who are set on fire...” (Psalm 57:4, NKJV)
“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You...” (Psalm 57:1, NKJV)
Psalm 58 – Speaking against corrupt rulers and wicked liars
“The wicked are estranged from the womb... Their poison is like the poison of a serpent.” (Psalm 58:3-4, NKJV)
“Break their teeth in their mouth, O God!” (Psalm 58:6, NKJV)
Psalm 59 – Saul sending men to watch David’s house
“Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; defend me from those who rise up against me.” (Psalm 59:1, NKJV)
“But I will sing of Your power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning.” (Psalm 59:16, NKJV)
Psalm 60 – Facing national defeat, including the Edomites
“O God, You have cast us off; You have broken us down; You have been displeased; Oh, restore us again!” (Psalm 60:1, NKJV)
“Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies.” (Psalm 60:12, NKJV)
