I Have So Many Enemies

I HAVE SO MANY ENEMIES

a prayer to open

In the midst of my pain, Lord, I cry out to you.

When darkness sets in and I can’t see the light,

lead me in the way of hope, and fill my heart with joy.

O LORD, I have so many enemies;

so many are against me.

So many are saying,

“God will never rescue him!”

But you, O LORD, are a shield around me;

you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.

I cried out to the LORD,

and he answered me from his holy mountain.

I lay down and slept,

yet I woke up in safety,

for the LORD was watching over me.

I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies

who surround me on every side.

Arise, O LORD!

Rescue me, my God!

Slap all my enemies in the face!

Shatter the teeth of the wicked!

Victory comes from you, O LORD.

May you bless your people.

The English language is full of idioms that describe that feeling we all get from time to time of being surrounded on all sides—when nothing is going our way. Just to name a few: “when it rains, it pours,” “waiting for the other shoe to drop,” “the hits just keep on coming,” and “I can’t catch a break.” How do we keep our heads up in these seasons? How do we remain hopeful? We remember what’s true: God sustains; God shields; God saves.

• Review the opening verses of today’s psalm. In what area of your life do you feel you are being attacked, whether by people, by your own thoughts, or on a spiritual level?
• Now review the next verses. Read them slowly, reflecting on whatever came to mind in response to the first question. What is God saying to you through these verses?
• Finally, review the closing verses. What would rescue from your enemies or attackers look like? What are you longing for God to do? What do you sense him calling you to do?

Lord, I have so many enemies.

Rescue me. Give me strength.

Be my shield and my hope all the days of my life.