Because Of My Enemies

“Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.” -Psalm 5:8

There are many reasons for us to want to walk in with God. We want a better reputation. We want to experience the good things of God. We want his favor. We want to be obedient. We want to impress that girl. We think it will lead to a better life for us and our family. There are any number of motivations. Some are worldly, yes. But others are completely pure and biblical.

Have we ever considered though, what the Psalmist is suggesting here? “Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies.” When we are surrounded on all sides by attacks, whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual, are we praying then for God’s leading to righteousness? I don’t know about you, but when I’m surrounded by enemies, I’m praying to get out by any means necessary. 

The enemies of this life are all around us. And some of the worst ones are inside of us. When pride is watching us, when greed lies in wait, when discrimination has it’s hungry eyes on us, that is when we need God’s leading most. That is when we must lean on the path of righteousness set before us by Jesus. We pray for righteousness because when the enemy looks to attack, our only true cover is the favor of God. The only way through is by walking with him on his path, even when all other paths look so tempting.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I am surrounded today. But I pray that because of my enemies, that you would lead me on your righteous path. Make your way, not my own way or the way of the attackers, but make your way straight before, so I may walk through the battle with an upright heart.