Yet still, in this book of songs, inspiration, and comfort, there are enemies everywhere.
Do any of you see this? What are your thoughts?
Monday, August 3, 2009
"Psalming" with the Enemy
I mentioned it in the sermon yesterday. It is alarming. Almost every Psalm complains of or mentions an enemy. The Psalms are riddled with human enemies. They seem to be jumping off the page brandishing swords and barking threats and curses. I've read the Psalms many times before. Maybe it's the feel of the ESV. Maybe it's the improvement in so many of my relationships over the last year that makes the enemy reports so jarring. I don't know what it is, but I know it's worth pausing at. Something here needs to be thought through. God is speaking in fresh ways through His ancient Word. Look at all these enemies. Where do they all come from? Christ has led me to love many of my actual enemies in life. Praise His Name. To love an enemy is to not have an enemy ... at least for my part.
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Enemies indeed are everywhere, and nowhere. We battle not against flesh and blood (Eph 6:12) so people around me are not to be the object of my attack. The real enemy needs a catalyst (Pro 15:1), maybe a harsh word in response to an accusation. Like sound reveals the position of a submarine using Sonar, so is the approach of our enemy who seeks whom he may devour (1Pe 5:8), but it is us who reveal our position by how we respond to the provocation. The soft answer does not show up on the enemies Sonar screen and he continues on his way (let him seek somewhere else). Your enemies disappear because, they, that are enemies, are not flesh or blood. I suppose this sounds idealistic to some, but get a grip, it’s God who directs through His Word. Like a sword in the hand you have to develop your own technique, the Sword changes not. ( Hbr13:8, Mal 3:6 )
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