How do you react when the enemy comes in like a flood? Do you retreat, throw your hands in the air, scream, rant, blame, question, or let the floodgates of tears flow? Or do you immediately go to God in prayer and ask for His help when the enemy comes in like a flood? As Christians, we know the evil one will try any means to ruin every second. We also know that we can find refuge in God when the enemy comes in like a flood (Psalm 121).
“So they shall fear
The name of the Lord from the west,
And His glory from the rising of the sun;
When the enemy comes in like a flood,
The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.” (Isaiah 59:19 NKJV)
In Scripture, the prophet Isaiah discusses troublesome issues of the day in Israel and Judah. The people were turning to idolatry and devious ways. Sounds similar to today’s world. Think of how often choices are made for self and not for furthering the kingdom of God. There was sin back then, and there is sin today.
Isaiah denounced the spiritual decline of the people and shared his vision of God (Isaiah 6). With the warnings to Israel and Judah, Isaiah also shared hope for the future, found through the Messiah. He offered encouragement while telling about the sacrifice of the Messiah.
Scripture in Isaiah 59 says that sin has separated the people from God. God didn’t leave. The people left God. The description of hands stained with blood and fingers with guilt, lips that spoke lies, and wicked things show how deep the sin had become. One sin was not, and is not, bigger than another. Anytime we sin, we separate ourselves from God. These verses applied then and apply today.
The Lord was displeased at the lack of justice. The barriers between God and the people were caused by their sins. Today, when we sin, we place an obstacle between the Lord and us.
God doesn’t want to leave us in sin. He provides the opportunity for His intervention. God will answer when we seek Him.
In Scripture, we learn that God promised redemption for the Israelites. God fought the enemy then, and He fights the enemy now. God will battle on our behalf when the enemy comes in like a flood.
According to Scripture, God will repay with wrath to His enemies. Those in the west shall fear His name; those in the east his glory (Isaiah 59:19). The force will be like a pent-up storm that the wind of the Lord drives. Picture a body of water sitting still, perhaps stagnant by an obstacle in the way. In a strong wind, the water bursts forth and flows with force, knocking everything away from the path of the water. When we go to God in prayer and ask for His help, God can intervene and remove the enemy. That picture reminds us of God’s love and devotion to His creations.
Evil will not win in the end. God is always with us, and we are His (Isaiah 43).
Scripture shares that the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). We have the freedom found in Christ.
The “Spirit of God” signifies the breath of God in the Old Testament (Job 33:4).
When the spirit of the Lord is upon a person, there is an anointing. The Bible tells us Jesus said the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him, and He was anointed to preach the gospel (Luke 4:18-21). Prophets, judges, and rulers were anointed with the Spirit of the Lord. These people were chosen to share the message of God. Have you encountered someone who had the Spirit of the Lord?
Father, I need deliverance from my enemies. Please help me. In the name of Your Son, Amen.
God, the enemy is trying to destroy my life. Cover me with Your hedge of protection. Amen.
Heavenly Father, I cry out to You. Remove the enemy from every part of my life. Amen.
Lord, the enemy is lurking nearby. Help me to resist any temptation. Thank You. Amen.
Abba Father, deliver me from the evil one. Hold me in Your loving arms. Amen.
Lord God, my mind, body, and soul are under attack from the enemy. Protect me. Amen.
Father, I need You. Help me as I put on the full armor of God to fight the spiritual attacks. Amen.
God, the enemy approaches. Give me strength to fight the battle and remain with You. Amen.
Father, help me to stay alert and not be fooled by any spiritual attacks. In His Name, Amen.
Lord, cover my family and protect us from spiritual attacks. In the name of Your Son, Amen.
Abba, give me strength, stamina, wisdom, discernment, and revelation to fight the enemy. Amen.
God, thank You for Your protection. I am thankful to be Your child. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Father, may I always remember how You love and protect Your creations. Amen.
Lord, I rest in Your protection and find comfort in Your peace. Thank You. Amen.
Heavenly Father, thank You for protecting me from the enemy. In the name of Your Son, Amen.
God, when the enemy comes, I will go to You and find refuge. Amen.
Lord, I want to know You better. Guide me to a closer relationship with You. Amen.
Father, help me to share time with You every day. Help me to feel Your Spirit. Amen.
God, thank You for the Spirit of the Lord and all who show Your love to others. Amen.
Lord, surround me with people who will help me to know You better. Thank You. Amen.
Heavenly Father, show me ways to draw closer to You. Amen.
Scripture shares verses to help when the enemy tries to invade. A few of the verses are listed below.
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
The Bible shares how to develop a deep relationship with the Lord. When we are close to the Father, and the enemy tries to come in like a flood, we can find rest and peace knowing we are not alone. When we call out to the Father, He listens.
The enemy can come in different ways. If we make idols out of food, possessions, money, and other things, we allow the enemy to enter our lives and feel control.
When we go to the Father and acknowledge Him, we have the protection of God.
Spiritual warfare is real. Put on the full armor of God and battle the enemy. God is with you.
In His Service,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Eric Overton
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com
This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
The Lord’s Prayer
Prayer for Peace
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Protection
Prayer for Anxiety
Prayer for Strength
Now available is our new Daily Prayer devotional and podcast! An easy way to start your day with prayer: read or listen to today’s prayer and sign up to receive it by email.