Spiritual Warfare

Now when the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. And David heard of it and went out against them. 1 Chronicles 14:8 (NKJV)

The Philistines, who were a persistent foe of the Israelites for generations, saw an opportunity to attack David who had just become king. They feared that he would drive them out of the land once he was fully established as king. So, David inquired of the Lord every time the Philistines tried to attack him, and God delivered them into his hands each time. Because David inquired of the Lord and did as He said, the Philistine army was driven back from Gibeon to as far as Gezer.

The Philistines' attacking David is a picture of Satan attacking believers when they accept Christ as their savior. Satan does not want us to be saved, and he does not want us bringing others to Christ, so as soon as we become believers he attacks us. Jesus says in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” But we have Jesus on our side who is so much more powerful than Satan and protects us from his attacks. Like David, we need to inquire of Him in all our affairs and follow His guidance. When we do so, Satan has no power over us, and we are able to repel him.

Choose to prepare yourself for spiritual warfare. Arm yourself with God's word by finding verses of protection and writing them down on a notecard or putting them in your phone. Read Ephesians 6:11–18 and put on the full armor of God. Stay rooted in prayer and pray for God's direction in every situation. Build a support system of believers who encourage and strengthen your faith. Remember, that you have a team, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit on your side, and when you trust in Them, there is no spiritual warfare that you cannot overcome.