Deuteronomy 20-23: How easy it is to get overwhelmed when we see the enemy coming at us? Israel sure felt that way as they saw the largeness of the inhabitants of the land. They knew fear as they looked at destroying them. It would have been easy to get overwhelmed had they kept their eyes on the enemy and their weapons, but God’s message was to keep their eyes on God and his presence with them. Here is how Moses wrote it.

Deuteronomy 20:1″When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. 2And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people 3and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, 4for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’

Today we are not drawing up battles lines with an enemy who wears a uniform or even lines up in battle formation. Our enemy is not always evident but he is very real. The Bible tells us that he comes as a thief to steal, kill and destroy. He comes to destroy our families, our businesses, our churches. He comes to steal your joy and peace of heart and mind. He is a real adversary and as Peter describes him is like a roaming lion seeking to devour. Don’t allow yourself to get overwhelmed. The answer to you is the same as it was to Israel, the Lord is with you. By His power and His might you can and will overcome. Listen for his voice and obey. Even as temptation comes your way, so no to sin. You can’t keep temptation from coming your way, but you can keep it from setting up camp. Flee it and turn to your Commander in Chief. He is with you and will strengthen you.