Sleep peacefully in spite of enemies (by Diane Webb)

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“Sleep peacefully in spite of enemies” by Diane Webb

Psalms 4:8

“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.”

Keil & Delitzsch describe the 4th Psalm as “evening hymn of one who is unmoved before backbiters and men of little faith”. David, the psalmist, says through this psalm that in spite of his powerful enemies and in spite of having no guards, he will sleep peacefully because the Lord is watching over him while he sleeps. David, if you remember, has been betrayed by his own son, Absolom, and the aristocratic party of the day uses this betrayal to their own advantage. David’s small group of supporters is becoming discouraged and fearful. In spite of the seemingly hopeless situation, David is making it clear in this psalm he puts his trust in God. His enemies are trying to kill him so Absolom can take the thrown. The aristocrats believe they will be able to control Absolom whereas they were unable to control David as the king. David put his trust in God and prayed over decisions and followed God’s will. You will find, when you are obeying God’s will for your life, you too will have enemies who want to destroy you one way or another. Why? Because Satan wants people who can be easily controlled in positions of power and influence. If you have enemies then it’s certain you are a threat to Satan’s plan. It is important when this happens to remember David’s trust in God even when surrounded by enemies. Satan’s goal is for you to disobey God and not follow God’s will for your life. Therefore, Satan will use other people to scare or discourage you (like David was betrayed by his very own son) and to get you off track. Many people’s first reaction to being betrayed or finding out someone is “backbiting” them is to “try to work it out” or confront the person. There are times when it is more appropriate to not deal directly with an enemy or a “friend” who turns on you—even if it’s family members. Trust God to protect you in the midst of people who want you to fall. Sleep the sleep of one who is safe in the Lord and has no reason to fear. Trust in the understanding you are doing God’s will and God will handle your enemies. He will lead you to speak when he wants you to speak and he will lead you to silence when he wants you to be silent. Tune in to God’s voice and pray when you are faced with a betrayal or with discovering a friend (or family member) is attempting to undermine your achievements. No matter how many enemies you may believe you have, there is really only one—Satan. All the rest are simply under Satan’s influence. It is important to pray for your earthly enemies to remove them from Satan’s influence. Without the aid of people, Satan can accomplish little, if anything. Once an enemy stops listening to Satan and starts listening to God through the Holy Spirit, the enemy is no longer an enemy. As you fall asleep each night, do so by praying one by one for all of those individuals who are trying to hurt you or who have betrayed you—in Jesus’ name.

Dear heavenly father, please help me recognize the tricks of Satan as he uses those in my life. I pray for those who are my enemies—those known and unknown. Remove the influence of Satan from their hearts, minds, and souls and help them do your will. In Jesus’ name I pray.

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