Dealing With Enemies

Proverbs 16:7

When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

An enemy is someone who feels hatred, tries to harm and is actively seeking to hurt you. Those of us privileged to not have enemies can skip this proverb for now. But most others, who have someone with adverse feelings towards them either in their social circle, family or workplace, we have a very important and powerful lesson here.

Focussing on your enemy or their wickedness can cause your peace and well being to suffer. You will be surrounded with thoughts like, “what if they succeed in their evil plans?” or “how can they choose to be so mean?” or even “I wish they weren’t a part of my life.” However, when you focus on the Lord and His promises, your thoughts will be otherwise. Confident that no matter what, when God is on your side, NO ONE can be against you and succeed.

You will declare the plans of prosperity and hope that the Lord has for you. You will know that when vengeance belongs to the Lord why should you be shaken? They that trust in the Lord WILL NOT be put to shame! Psalm 34 would be the song on your heart, for it says, “blessed is the one who takes refuge in the Lord.” Know that when the righteous cry out, the Lord hears them and delivers them from ALL their troubles.

Focus not on your enemy, focus on your own ways that they would be pleasing unto the Lord. Let the Lord deal with your enemies. In due time, trust Him to cause them to make peace with you. In the meantime, ask yourself daily, “is what I’m doing/thinking/feeling pleasing unto the Lord?” May you have the courage to take refuge in the Lord alone and trust in His plans.