There are evil forces at work in our world. Nothing new about that, but I believe the devil and his demons are trying to take over the United States of America. I also believe many are standing against this evil, and I pray more will stand up for what’s right. Our country needs fearless warriors in this battle.
After David had been chosen by God to be the king of Israel to replace King Saul, he found himself an enemy of the king. He was running for his life and at war with those in power. First Samuel gives us a glimpse of what David did in the face of his enemy’s pursuits. The Psalms reveal much about David’s heart and his relationship with God during this time of his life. I see some similarities with our situation today.
First, David knew his enemy. He knew evil forces were working through King Saul and his army. “Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him” (1 Samuel 16:14). David was able to escape from Saul’s threats because of his awareness of them. David knew his enemy, and with the help of his cohorts he knew where his enemy was and acted accordingly. He was alert!
Second, David had a friend close to his enemy. Jonathan, son of King Saul was David’s friend and confidant. (1 Samuel 20) Jonathan reveals his father’s intentions against David and defends David when speaking to the king. Because David knew what King Saul was up to he could prepare, and escape to safety.
Third, and most importantly, David walked with God. He was not afraid to cry out to God and plead for his life.
“O God, whom I praise, do not remain silent, for wicked and deceiful men have opened their mouths against me; they have spoken against me with lying tongues. With words of hatred they surround me; they attack me without cause. In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship” (Psalm 109:1-5).
David prayed to and praised God. He trusted God to take care of him.
“With my mouth I will greatly extol the Lord; in the great throng I will praise him. For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save his life from those who condemn him” (Psalm 109:30-31).
Today, we have an enemy! Satan has deceived people, even government leaders who are taking our country down the wrong path! Like David, let’s be aware of Satan’s attacks and be alert.
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (1 Peter 5:8-9).
We need to be informed of what’s happening in our local, state, and national governments. We need to communicate with our representatives and especially if they are trying to do the right things. They need our encouragement! Show them your support and friendship as much as possible. Pray for them. Also, pray for those who are not doing what’s right. Let them know what you think about their policies and actions. You can even call the White House! All the while, remember our enemy is the devil who is deceiving and working through many bad characters.
Finally, stay close to God! In Ephesians chapter 6, Paul encourages us in this war against the devil! We are not without recourse. God has given us the necessary armor!
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6:10-13).
To summarize the rest of the Ephesians passage:
The armor: truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit (God’s Word).
Then: PRAY
God, have mercy and bless the USA!