The Way of Overcoming Enemies

March 23, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Psalm 23:5

If anyone needs and wants to know the way to overcome enemies right now, it is I. Spiritual battles raging here on this earth have filled our past nine months. Truthfully, I have never experienced the pain of having people oppose me or people I love as I have throughout this time. Consequently, as I read David’s words about the Lord preparing a table for him in the presence of his enemies, I paid full attention.

What I find curious and maybe even a bit disappointing is that David does not say any more about what God does with his enemies. Instead, David writes about what God does with him even while his enemies surrounded him: “you anoint my heard with oil; my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5). In 1 Samuel, you can read about the Lord’s command to the prophet Samuel to anoint David as king of Israel: “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers” (1 Samuel 16:13). This anointing set David apart from his brothers and from the nation of Israel and marked David as the man chosen by God to succeed Saul as king of Israel.

Here, as David is walking through the valley of the shadow of death, he knows God’s presence and power. Beyond that, David knows he is set apart to God and for God. What was true for David is true also for us today: we live among people who resist the ways of God and the people of God. David was surrounded by people who resisted him, resisted his call, or resisted his God.

It is likely that you, also, have experienced having enemies. These people dislike you, work against you, or devalue you. Being in the presence of your enemies is painful. Therefore, it is essential to take the stance of David. Even when his enemies surrounded him, David stood firm in God’s perfect care of him as well as God’s call on him.

How do you face your enemies? Maybe they are not surrounding you today, but they will, or they have. To overcome your enemies, follow in the way of David – look away from the enemy and to the Lord. Cling to the Lord; believe his eyes are upon you; trust in his perfect care; and stay in God’s call on your life. No enemy, big or small, can take that from you!

Reflection:

Are you ready to overcome your enemies? How do these words of David inspire and equip you? Practice God’s presence and power today. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Related Resources:

Follow the ancient way of the Psalms and find the life God has for you. A model for vibrant worship, the Psalms provide practical wisdom to traverse the circuitous path of life with trust and hope. Pilgrim’s Path: A Study of the Psalms traces our spiritual walk with God—from discovery and delight, through doubt and disappointment, into joyful confidence. Whether used for individual or group study, Pilgrim’s Path is for everyone who seeks to know and love God more and find life in him.