The hands of the wicked – Recognizing the Battle Behind the Battle
Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; Preserve me from violent men, who have purposed to make my steps stumble. ~ Psalms 140:4
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where the people around you weren’t necessarily “bad,” but they were leading you down a path that wasn’t good for you? Maybe it started out as innocent fun, but over time, you found yourself drifting further from God’s plan for your life. I can relate.
There was a time when I surrounded myself with “friends” who didn’t always have my best interest in mind. As a single person, I wanted to be around people that like to have fun, so I got pulled into a group that loved to get together at every opportunity and blow off steam. The problem was that many times, I found myself in situations that were not only uncomfortable but also dangerous. I even got into some relationships that seemed to drain the very life out of me, leaving me feeling more lost and disconnected from God’s purpose than I was before.
At the time, I didn’t realize that there was more going on than just bad influences or unhealthy relationships. I never even considered the spiritual forces behind the intentions of my so-called friends. The enemy often works through people, knowingly or unknowingly, to pull us away from God’s best. The wickedness described in Psalm 140 is not just about evil people, it’s about the evil spirit operating behind them, trying to make us stumble and steer us off course.
The enemy’s tactics are subtle. He often disguises temptation as fun, success, or even love. He uses relationships, distractions, and even our own desires to pull us away from God. But we don’t have to fall for his schemes. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us:
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
When we recognize that the real battle is spiritual, we can begin to fight it the right way using God’s Word, prayer, and wisdom.
If you feel like you’re surrounded by negative influences or struggling to break free from toxic relationships, here are some steps to take:
- Pray for Discernment – Ask God to reveal the true motives of the people around you and to show you who is helping you to grow spiritually and who is holding you back. (James 1:5)
- Set Healthy Boundaries – Just because you love people doesn’t mean you need to let them influence your life. Be intentional about who you allow into your inner circle. (Proverbs 4:23)
- Recognize the Spiritual Influence – Don’t just look at the outward actions, ask God to reveal the spiritual forces at work behind certain situations. If something keeps pulling you away from God, it’s likely the enemy’s trap. (2 Corinthians 2:11)
- Surround Yourself with Godly People – Find a community that encourages your faith rather than drains it. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
- Speak and Stand on God’s Word – Declare Psalm 140:4 over your life, trusting that God will protect you from those who seek to cause you harm.
If you’re feeling stuck in a place where negative influences surround you, start with prayer. Ask God to help you see clearly who and what is pulling you away from His plan. Spend time in His Word and let Him strengthen you.
Make a list of the people and activities in your life. Separate them into two categories. Category one being those who are drawing you closer to God and category two, those who are pulling you away. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in making necessary changes. Seek out friendships and relationships that encourage your faith and help you grow in your walk with the Lord Jesus.
Today I want to encourage you that No matter what you’ve been through, it’s never too late to step into the life God has for you. If you’ve been caught in relationships or environments that have led you away from His plan, know that God’s hand is strong enough to pull you out. He sees you, He loves you, and He is ready to protect and restore you.
Psalm 140 reminds us that we don’t have to fight our battles alone. God is our defender, our shield, and our deliverer. He will preserve your steps and keep you from stumbling as you turn to Him, trust in His direction and remember the battle is already won.
So stand firm, stay close to God, and let Him guide you into the abundant, purpose-filled life He has prepared for you!
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 140
1 Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; Preserve me from violent men,
2 Who plan evil things in their hearts; They continually gather together for war.
3 They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; The poison of asps is under their lips. Selah
4 Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; Preserve me from violent men, who have purposed to make my steps stumble.
5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; They have spread a net by the wayside;
They have set traps for me. Selah
6 I said to the Lord: “You are my God; Hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord.
7 O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; Do not further his wicked scheme,
Lest they be exalted. Selah
9 “As for the head of those who surround me, let the evil of their lips cover them;
10 Let burning coals fall upon them; Let them be cast into the fire, into deep pits, that they rise not up again.
11 Let not a slanderer be established in the earth; Let evil hunt the violent man to overthrow him.”
12 I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor.
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in Your presence.
The Daily Dose 