Connect Psalm 59:14 with Ephesians 6:12 on spiritual warfare. The Two Verses Side by Side • Psalm 59 : 14 — “They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city.” • Ephesians 6 : 12 — “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” What David Saw, What Paul Explained • David watched real, hostile men stalking him under cover of darkness (1 Samuel 19). He described them as “dogs” circling the city walls. • Paul pulled back the curtain: behind hostile humans stand organized, malevolent spirits. • Taken together, the verses teach that visible threats often point to an invisible war. Identifying the Pattern • Evening return — Evil tends to surface when vigilance is low (cf. Matthew 26 : 41). • Snarling like dogs — Intimidation and continual harassment (cf. 1 Peter 5 : 8). • Prowling around the city — Targeting what God’s people inhabit and build (cf. Nehemiah 4 : 7-9). • Rulers, authorities, powers — Ranked spiritual entities coordinating the assault (cf. Daniel 10 : 13). The Battlefield Today • Home and family: demonic influence seeks entry through entertainment, bitterness, and division. • Church fellowship: gossip, false teaching, and discouragement mirror the “prowling” pattern. • Personal mind and heart: accusatory thoughts, fear, and temptation reveal the “snarling” voice. Standing Guard through the Night • Stay alert: “Be sober-minded and watchful.” (1 Peter 5 : 8) • Armor up: truth, righteousness, gospel readiness, faith, salvation, Word, and prayer (Ephesians 6 : 13-18). • Resist actively: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4 : 7). • Sing praises: David countered the dogs with worship (Psalm 59 : 16-17); praise confounds spiritual foes (2 Chronicles 20 : 22). Encouraging Realities • God sees night as day (Psalm 139 : 12). • Christ already disarmed the powers (Colossians 2 : 15). • The Spirit within believers is greater than the one in the world (1 John 4 : 4). Putting It into Practice 1. Begin and end each day with Scripture, reclaiming the “evening” hours. 2. Speak truth aloud to confront snarling lies. 3. Guard relational “city walls” through forgiveness and accountability. 4. Intercede for leaders; demonic forces concentrate on them (1 Timothy 2 : 1-2). 5. Expect victory—our struggle is real, but the outcome is secured (Romans 16 : 20). |
    |