The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? Psalms 118:6
Every conflict has (at least) two sides to it. In the natural world, this could be anything from a conflict between two individuals, two families, two communities, two countries or even, as we have seen in the past, a conflict that involved most of the world. And what causes all of these conflicts? Each one is different and, in some ways, the same. The particulars will always be unique, but at the root of most all conflict you will find pride, money and/or power.
Even in these natural conflicts, there is also a spiritual element. Anything that God has created, the enemy is constantly at work seeking to destroy and whatever God joins together, the enemy is always seeking to separate. Thus, you see the influence of the evil one when you realize the part pride plays in these conflicts. Sadly, many people find themselves in conflicts that they can not even explain; they don’t remember how the conflict started in the first place or possibly never even knew, since many conflicts are inherited and carried on from one generation to the next!
Jesus has called us to live as conflict-free a life as possible, but of course it is not possible to live totally free of conflict, as some people are not willing to live at peace. All you can do is live at peace as much as is possible on your part. It is a challenge, but a worthy one, to seek peace and pursue it, even if it means allowing yourself to be cheated at times!
Dealing with people can certainly bring with it the potential for conflict and the Lord will always help you to do the right thing in relationships when you ask for and submit to His help (which will always be in alignment with His Word!). You can at all times be sure the Lord is with you when you choose His way.
We find in our verse today a conflict that goes beyond the natural realm and relationships in this world. This battle is in the spirit realm against the enemy of our souls and it is a conflict that, although it has already been decisively won by our Lord Jesus Christ, must still be confronted every day.
The enemy will always oppose everything good in your life and, until you get to heaven, that is not going to change; the conflict is not going to be resolved. Even though Jesus has won the war and conquered Satan, still, as the accuser of the brethren, he will try to intimidate you with lies and things from the past that are already forgiven and forgotten by the Lord.
This conflict will also include people who (whether aware of it or not) are doing the devil’s bidding by opposing your progress with the Lord. That is why the declaration of the psalmist is so important, “I will not fear, what can man do to me?” It is not a battle against flesh and blood but rather a spiritual battle with soldiers on both sides of the conflict. The good news is, like David facing Goliath, it doesn’t matter how big the enemy is or how impossible things seem, you have the victory because the Lord is on your side!
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