Battles of life
“My enemies have set a trap for me. I am weary from distress. They have dug a deep pit in my path, but they themselves have fallen into it.” - Psalm 57:6
One of the major lessons, we learn in life is that there are battles. There are times in life when the enemy is not trying to hit us, the enemy is trying to knock us out. As young adults we have either experienced this or are yet to experience it. For those who are experiencing it and for those yet to experience it, we would like to share with you a few of warfare scriptures.
These scriptures are meant for meditation and more importantly to be said out LOUD. To be said when you are tired physically, emotionally and all you strength for is a whisper. These scriptures are to be said when you are full of fear and doubt. The scriptures are to be said, yelled, when you are strong, ready and eager to fight.
Psalm 31:1-5
1 O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Save me, for you do what is right.
2 Turn your ear to listen to me rescue me quickly. Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe.
3 You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.
4 Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me, for I find protection in you alone.
5 I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God.
Psalm 31:7-9a
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7 I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, or you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul.
8 You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place.
9 Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress.
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Psalm 31:12-18
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12 I am ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot.
13 I have heard the many rumors about me, and I am surrounded by terror.My enemies conspire against me,
plotting to take my life.
14 But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!”
15 My future is in your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly.
16 Let your favor shine on your servant. In your unfailing love, rescue me.
17 Don’t let me be disgraced, O Lord, for I call out to you for help. Let the wicked be disgraced; let them lie silent in the grave.
18 Silence their lying lips— those proud and arrogant lips that accuse the godly.
19 How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you.You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world.
20 You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues.
21 Praise the Lord, for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love. He kept me safe when my city was under attack.
22 In panic I cried out,“I am cut off from the Lord!”But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help.
Psalm 31:24
So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!
It is hard and perhaps humanly impossible to be strong and courageous in the face of danger and attacks. This is where God comes in. You can come honestly to God and say, “God I am not strong or courageous. In fact I am terrified but I pray for the spirit to be strong and courageous. I receive the spirit of strength and courage. In Jesus name I pray amen.”
Psalm 27:1-3
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1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
2 When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
3 Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.
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Psalm 27:5-7a
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5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
6 Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music.
7a Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me!
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Psalm 27:9
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9 Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation!
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Psalm 27:11-14
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11 Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me.
12 Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I’ve never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence.
13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.
14 Wait patiently for the Lord.Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
How interesting that once again we see a pattern of being courageous. One thing is clear, courage is needed in the battles against our enemies. Take a moment to pray once again for God to give you the spirit of courage.
Psalm 57: 1-6
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1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by.
2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.
3 He will send help from heaven to rescue me disgracing those who hound me. My God will send forth his unfailing love and faithfulness.
4 I am surrounded by fierce lions who greedily devour human prey—whose teeth pierce like spears and arrows, and whose tongues cut like swords.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens! May your glory shine over all the earth.
It is so interesting that after David cries out to God about lions that devour human prey, he then goes on to praise God. In the middle of his trouble, David stops to exalt God. Why don't you take a moment, in the midst of the battles you are facing to praise God. It may be terribly hard but do it anyways. Even if you can only do it for 30 seconds. Even if you are angry that you have to deal with these battles and you are not sure if God will come through for you. Take time out to praise God in the midst of the battle.
6 My enemies have set a trap for me. I am weary from distress. They have dug a deep pit in my path, but they themselves have fallen into it.
2 Corinthians 1:10
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10 And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.
This verse gives hope. It is a reminder to you that if God has ever rescued you from your enemies before, he will rescue again! Now would be a great time to pause and praise God again. If you couldn’t think of any reason to praise God in Psalm 57:5, you have one here. Take a moment and praise God for those times he rescued you from the danger sponsored by your enemies.
Luke 8:23-24
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23 As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger.
24 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm.
This scripture is simply a prayer. Jesus, arise! Rebuke every wind an raging waves of my life and calm every storm. In Jesus name. Amen.
2 Timothy 4:18
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18 Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack, and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
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This is the end all be all. For God to protect us from every evil attack and to make sure we make it to heaven. When all is said and done, Heaven is our goal.
#chasewhatmatters