When believers are under Attack

Read Psalm 74.

Asaph wrote of a time when the homeland was under attack.  In their invasion, the enemy destroyed places and items used to worship the LORD.  In addition, they scoffed at the God of Israel and began to set up their own objects of worship.  This went far beyond military might to raw spiritual warfare.  It confused him.  Why would God allow this?  Why did He not intervene to protect His own people?

His prayer was a call for the God of heaven to arise and demonstrate His glory.  Notice the elements of his appeal.

1. The power of His creation. (vv.12-19)

God had demonstrated His great omnipotence in the past.  As the Owner, He made and corralled oceans and their inhabitants.  He provided water on the land.  He divided day and night.  He made the seasons.  If God could do that then dealing with people on earth is a simple matter.

2. The promise of His covenant. (vv.20-21)

These were God's chosen people.  In Genesis 12, the LORD made unconditional promises regarding Abraham's descendants.  Promises were made to King David and his household forever.  It was from this family that the Messiah would come.  No wonder they were under satanic attack.  It is God's commitment to care for His people and He will.

3. The perspective of His cause. (vv.22-23)

This fight was not "them against us."  Rather, this war truly belonged to God.

Believers are soldiers in the spiritual battles and we are totally dependent upon the Spirit of God to accomplish spiritual victories.  "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12)

But do not forget the rest of Ephesians 6.  Put on the whole armor God that He has supplied for our protection and skillfully use the written word of God He gave us for our offensive weapon.