Protection from Enemies

I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. (Psalm 18:3)

Numerous battles and threats marked David’s life, but he consistently turned to God to deliver him. Psalm 18:3 explains David’s faith and reliance on God’s protection despite his difficulties. David said he would call on the Lord because he knew God was his refuge and strength.

Then David immediately turned to praise, reminding himself that God is always worthy to be praised. He highlighted his weapon of choice: the shout and song of adoration to God. Praise responds to God’s goodness and is a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare.

At the end of the verse, David stated, “So shall I be saved from mine enemies.” Listen to David's confident voice as he talked about God’s deliverance. David’s confidence was not in his abilities but in God’s faithfulness. This assurance is available to all believers who call on the Lord in times of trouble. It reminds us that God can save and protect us despite our opposition. God is always ready to hear your prayers and deliver you from any

situation. Stand firm in your faith as you pray, praise, and pursue God, knowing He alone is your Protector and Deliverer.

Practical Application

Add praise to your daily prayer time. Start your day with songs of worship and thanksgiving, acknowledging God’s greatness and faithfulness. Praise is a powerful weapon God has given you. Use it often.

2 Samuel 22:4; Psalm 5:2

The Habit of Prayer

Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city; Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mizpar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel. (Ezra 2:1-2)

Imagine being carried away to a land that you have never been to before as an enslaved person under a king who has violently captured your city. You must obey new laws and regulations prohibiting you from living the life you are accustomed to. Your captors would purposefully force you and your friends to do things that were strictly against your religion. That is what Daniel faced as he marched from Jerusalem to Babylon.

So, what did Daniel do? How did he react to this situation? Daniel had a habit that gave him courage despite the opposition, strength when he was physically exhausted, wisdom and insight that most people didn’t have, and protection from those who would purposely attack him verbally and physically. That habit was prayer. Daniel’s unwavering commitment to prayer was the cornerstone of his faith and success. When faced with the decree that no one should pray to any god or man except the king, Daniel continued his habit of prayer. He knew that his strength, protection, and wisdom came from the Lord alone, and no one would get in the way of his relationship with God.

How is your prayer life? How important do you see it when facing challenges of every kind? As you remain faithful in prayer, trust that God will open doors of opportunity and promotion. Making prayer your habit will bring God’s favor upon you and favor and influence with man.

Practical Application

Make prayer a regular part of your daily life. Set aside specific times each day to connect with God, seeking His wisdom and guidance for the stress you face daily.

Daniel 1:7; Daniel 2:49

God Moves Hearts

And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem. Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem. (Ezra 1:4-5)

In Ezra 1:4-5, we see a powerful example of God’s provision for His people and His ability to stir the heart of anyone to fulfill His purposes. In this verse, we see God use King Cyrus. Cyrus was a ruler who did not serve the God of Israel, but God moved upon him, and he decided to support rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. Cyrus’ commitment wasn’t cheap. Rebuilding the Temple was an expensive undertaking. The Scripture indicates that silver, gold, goods, and beasts were given for God’s purpose of rebuilding the Temple.

When the heathen king acted, others responded to the call. The men of Judah and Benjamin also stood to return to Jerusalem and contribute to the rebuilding effort.

God can use anyone, regardless of position or history, to provide for His purposes. Believe that God can provide for your needs through unexpected sources, people, or situations. Trust and follow Him; His favor will go before you like a shield. However, our desire for God to move upon the hearts of others should not be separated from our willingness to allow God to move upon our own. When you feel God stirring your heart to give generously, respond immediately. Whether contributing to a cause, volunteering, or leading a project, your obedience fulfills God’s purposes on earth. King Cyrus’s decree is a testament to God's ability to stir the hearts of anyone who wants His work completed. 

Practical Application

Reflect on how God has unexpectedly provided for you. Consider how you can be a vessel of His provision for others. Are there areas where God is stirring your heart to act? How can you respond to His call with generosity and faith?

1 Chronicles 29:3; 1 Chronicles 29:9