David had a Benjamite enemy named Cush. Cush was the type of person who would seek to be your friend to destroy you. David prayed for protection in Psalm 7:1-2, "I come to you for protection, O Lord my God. Save me from my persecutors—rescue me! If you don't, they will maul me like a lion, tearing me to pieces with no one to rescue me." David's enemies sought to destroy David even though he did nothing wrong against them. David even asked God if he had done anything wrong, then he was willing to be disciplined. And so David asked God to avenge him against his enemies, "Arise, O Lord, in anger! Stand up against the fury of my enemies! Wake up, my God, and bring justice (Psalm 7:6)!" David's confidence against his enemies was that God was his protector and the judge against his enemies, "God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right. God is an honest judge. He is angry with the wicked every day (Psalm 7:10-11)."
We may experience what David went through with his enemies. We may have friends who betrayed us. We may have a boss or co-worker who makes our life miserable at work. We may have other students who do not like or hate us at school for no reason. We may have family members who argue with us all the time. No matter what we are going through, God knows our situations. To handle this situation, we first need to search our hearts to see if there is any sin that we need to repent from. Next, we need to pray that God will protect us and deal with our enemies. We also need to pray for our enemies that they will repent and change their hearts towards us.
Jesus said this in Matthew 5:43-44, "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Jesus wants us to pray for our enemies because He is the only one who can change their hearts.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you). What should I do first when dealing with my enemies? Who is the only one who can protect me from my enemies? Why is it important to pray for my enemies?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, You are my protector and judge of my enemies. Please seek my heart to see if there is anything that I have done to sin against you and my enemies. Please forgive me and continue to change my heart. I also pray for my enemies that they will come to repentance, be saved by your grace, and be changed. Please help and teach me to love my enemies as you have commanded me to do so. In your name, Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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