Fear of the Enemy
Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation; preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
Psalm 64:1
In this psalm, David petitions God to preserve his life from “fear of the enemy.” He is not asking for preservation from the enemy but from “fear of the enemy.” Fear is a devastating and destructive element.
Men call themselves terrorists because their chief goal is not to destroy so much as to terrorize. Men rule by fear.
Fear has the ability to disrupt sleep, cause constant anxiety, create health problems, change dispositions, ruin friendships, debilitate strength, and wreak havoc.
Horrid circumstances are not necessary to bring about chaos; fear of horrid circumstances can have a greater effect.
As a soldier, David knew the devastation of fear. Therefore, he asked God to “preserve,” or keep him from fear of the enemy.
In God’s economy there is no room for fear. It keeps us from trusting God, puts us in self-preservation mode, and thwarts our obedience. John the apostle said, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).
Believers would do well to pray as David did, Lord, preserve me from fear of the enemy.
Numbering Our Days
In Moses’ Psalm, Psalm 90, he prays, “[Lord], teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (verse 12). What an apt prayer by the leader of Israel!
The Glory of the Call
Imagine answering the telephone one day and hearing an authoritative voice on the other end offering you a position of immense opportunity. As long as we are imagining (my youngest daughter used to call it ‘imaginating’), let’s take it a step further. Let’s consider that this dignitary is powerful, resourceful, kind, prestigious. Let us add that he is a man of extreme vision. He wants to recruit you. He promises to underwrite all the expenses of your training. He promises to support you as you work in his enterprises. He also is willing to travel with you and personally advise you. How do you think you would react to such a proposal?