“And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array…and…Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind…” (2Sam. 10:8-9)
The Ammonites came against Israel to fight them, but they didn’t come alone. They mobilized their army and hired 33,000 mercenary soldiers to fight along with their own forces. By the time King David saw what was happening, they were surrounded in the front and back by the enemy.
Sometimes, we may find ourselves surrounded by the enemy, too. What should we do when this happens?
KEEP DOING RIGHT THOUGH YOU’VE BEEN DONE WRONG
Ironically, this started after David had actually done something nice. David showed respect to the newly crowned king of the Ammonites, but the king rejected David’s kindness.
Sometimes your kindness will be rejected. Keep doing right, anyway.
DON’T LOSE HOPE
Satan wants you to believe that your situation is hopeless, but Paul said God is “the God of hope…” (Rom. 15:13). As long as there is a God, there is hope!
DON’T FIGHT THE ENEMY ALONE
Joab, David’s military advisor, chose his elite soldiers to defend the front gate, and he placed a second force to guard the back gate. Then he ordered the rest to help out wherever needed.
Don’t try and fight the enemy alone. Surround yourself with others stronger than you are. That is why attending church is so important. It reminds you that you are not in this alone.
HAVE A PLAN OF ATTACK
They didn’t ask for this war but they were not going surrender, either. You better have a plan when temptation surrounds you, or you will be defeated.
KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON GOD
Before dismissing the troops to their positions, Joab said to them in (v.12), “Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.”
Joab reminded them to be courageous because the fight belonged to the LORD.
GIVE GOD THE GLORY
They honored God and God delivered them. Trusting God when you have been surrounded honors Him. Do what you can do and leave the rest to God then give Him glory for the results.
When it seems the enemy has surrounded you, just remember that your God is much bigger than your enemy! Don’t fear. Just keep your eyes on Jesus and remember the battle is the LORD’s!