Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 178: When We Feel Invaded

Good morning, everyone!

Today I read Psalms 78-79. I'll be honest, these are two more from Asaph, and I didn't find anything that really grabbed me, but I'll talk a little about Psalm 79, particularly verses 1-5.

O God, the nations have invaded Your inheritance; they have defiled Your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins. They have given the dead bodies of Your servants for food to the birds of the heavens, the flesh of Your godly ones to the beasts of the earth. They have poured out their blood like water round about Jerusalem; and there was no one to bury them. We have become a reproach to our neighbors, a scoffing and derision to those around us. How long, O LORD? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire?

I found this to be relevant even today. Especially with what's going on in the middle east - the fighting over Jerusalem and the promised land.

In addition, it's also relevant on a less literal level.

Has anyone felt like this? Has anyone besides me ever felt like a reproach to your neighbors? Felt scoffed at?

Has anyone else ever felt like the Enemy won a battle against you and it leaves you exhausted and battered like you've just been in the ring up against Ali without boxing gloves?

It makes you feel like your territory has been invaded, and it makes you ask "How long, O Lord?" I have. And it isn't fun at all.

I've found that when I feel like that, however, it's usually because I tried to fight a battle I was unequipped for. Remember, we talked about how God fights battles, and just waits for us to ask. Sometimes I don't ask. Sometimes I think I can handle it on my own. And I'm wrong. I always need God's help.

If you feel like this today, I encourage you to ask God for a renewed strength and help in any upcoming battles. The Enemy doesn't pull his punches, so remember what hits him hardest: the true and pure Word of God.

The Enemy lies. And his greatest triumph is when we believe lies about ourselves and about God.

So, I encourage you to study what God's Word says about you and about Him. So that when the Enemy invades your territory you'll be prepared. And when the Enemy comes at you with lies, hit him back with the Truth.

I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Psalms 80-85.