How To Get Deliverance Over Our Enemies.
Enemies.
We all encounter individuals or entities that actively oppose or harbor hostility towards us. This is precisely the dictionary definition of an enemy.
Interestingly, an enemy can also be a reflection of ourselves. The adage “Sometimes, we are our own worst enemies” aptly encapsulates this concept. The thoughts we entertain, the voices in our heads, the anxiety, depression, and fear can all be hostile and contradictory to the divine essence we were created to embody.
The Word of God provides profound insight into how our all-powerful and merciful God triumphs over our adversaries. He precedes us, vanquishing our enemies. He serves as our refuge and our fortress, offering us unwavering protection and security.
PSALM 18:16-19.
”He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.
They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me.” - Psalm 18:16-19
THE CONTEXT.
When reading any passage of Scripture, it’s crucial to read it in context. Let’s delve into Psalm 18 and uncover what the Lord reveals to us.
Psalm 18 is a psalm attributed to David, composed for The Chief Musician, our Heavenly Composer. The psalm’s heading reads, “Who spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day the Lord delivered him from the hands of all his enemies, including Saul?” For context, refer to 1 Samuel 31 and 2 Samuel 1. The occasion could be the aftermath of Saul’s death or the period leading up to David’s coronation (2 Samuel 2-5).
Interestingly, a similar psalm is sung in 2 Samuel 22. It’s possible that David composed this song when he was younger, but as he grew older, he could reflect on his entire life with great gratitude and sing it once more.
ALL ABOUT JESUS.
This Psalm is quoted in Romans 15:9 and refers to Jesus in that context.
We can rightfully say that Psalm 18 is indeed about our Lord Jesus Christ.
If you read through it, you will read about His death in verses 4-15.
His Resurrection can be seen in verses 16-19.
You can read of Jesus’ exaltation in verses 20-36 and His Second Coming in verses 27-45.
Finally, David prophetically sings of Jesus’ glorious kingdom in verses 46-50.
WHAT A PICTURE!
While these verses prophetically foreshadow Jesus, it’s important to remember that David was also writing about a personal situation he was grappling with. Specifically, he was referring to the time when he was rescued from the clutches of his enemies and Saul. Therefore, I believe these verses are relevant to us today. We can relate to them because we encounter similar challenges and walk in the footsteps of Jesus. (1 Peter 2:21)
DELIVERANCE FROM OUR ENEMIES.
When we discuss our enemies, especially in the context of this verse, we see that God will rescue us from these enemies because He is all-powerful. But His rescue may come in different forms.
1. He Rescued Me From DEEP WATERS.
“He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters.” - Psalm 18:16
Sometimes, the Lord will descend from heaven, grasp you firmly, and rescue you from perilous situations. The Hebrew word “mayim” encompasses the concept of danger or violence.
When I was 19, I was teaching music at a music school. One evening, before giving my lesson, I was in my car when a man approached me. He knocked on my window, and before I could react, he had a gun pressed against the side of my head and demanded that I move over.
I can assure you that God reached down from heaven, seized me, and pulled me out of that dire situation. He is omnipotent, possessing all power. He can and does rescue us from the depths threatening to drown us. He has the strength to rescue us from danger, violence, or despair.
2. He Rescued Me From those who HATED ME.
“He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.”
- Psalm 18:17
Sometimes, He rescues us from formidable enemies who despise us. These enemies are far too powerful for us. In this verse, the Hebrew word “o-yabe’” is used to describe personal enemies, foes, or adversaries.
Consider Goliath and Saul, who were formidable opponents for David. Similarly, the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Roman soldiers were too powerful for the humanity of Jesus. (Of course, not His divinity! He is our omnipotent Savior. He chose humanity, choosing weakness to save us. Refer to Matthew 26:47-56.) And sometimes, your enemies are too powerful for you. Their words are too strong to bear.
Sometimes, The Lord allows your enemies to confront you. He will allow the words of these strong enemies to come up against you to show you how strong He is to deliver you. The Lord, your God, is MIGHTY to SAVE! (Zeph. 3:17)
3. He Rescued Me When the Enemies CONFRONTED ME.
“They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support.” - Psalm 18:18
Sometimes, those enemies won’t just hate you and talk about you; they’ll come face-to-face with you. They’ll get in your way.
Have you ever had the worst day of your life, the day of your calamity, and suddenly, here they come to confront you? You’re already down and out, and here they are—that enemy, whether physical or your own self—confronting you! Now, you have to face this enemy and endure it.
God didn’t rescue Israel from their Red Sea moment.
He didn’t prevent it from happening.
He didn’t kill Egypt before they reached Moses.
He didn’t allow them to go around the Red Sea.
THEY HAD TO GO THROUGH IT.
Sometimes, friends, you’re going to have to come face-to-face with your enemy and just have to go through it. But God promises to be with you and support you the entire way.
4. He Rescues Us Because HE DELIGHTS IN US.
“He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me.” - Psalm 18:19
We have an incredible and mighty God who rescues us for a single reason: He delights in us. He lifts you up from your current situation and places you on a high and expansive place because He takes pleasure in you. My friend, He finds joy in you, and it pleases Him to rescue you.
His rescue is not based on any actions or inactions you have made or not made.
His rescue is a testament to His love for you.
Maybe you feel helpless today as you face the enemies in your life. Maybe you, like Jesus, are begging God to take this cup from you. (Matthew 26:38-39). Know this, dear friend, however this enemy is going to leave from your life . . . we don’t know . . . But they will be silenced.
Maybe God will lift you right up out of that trouble.
Maybe God will be your strength as you face the hatred of your enemies.
Maybe He will walk you through the trouble supporting you the entire way.
I don’t know how He will deliver you . . . . But be sure, my friend. He will deliver you.
He will rescue you . . . Because He delights in you!
I know it may seem dark and scary right now. But HOLD ON! Stay strong. Have faith. Your deliverance is coming. Your King is here. He is your rescue. He is your salvation. He is your El Shaddai.’
