Evidence of the Enemy

Scripture:
They cry for help, but there is no one to save them—
they cry to the Lord, but he does not answer them.
Psalm 18:41

Observation: The psalmist talks about how the Lord gives him strength and victory over his enemies. He pursues the enemies, overtakes them, and soundly defeats. In the battle, the enemies repent - they even cry out to the Lord to save them - but the Lord does not. In the battle between good and evil, when the evil invoke the name of the Lord for help, he does not respond.

Application: I am disturbed today by the magnitude of the battle against the true enemy, satan. Yesterday it arrived at our doorstep in the form of disturbed and drugged individuals. They invoked the name of Jesus while creating chaos. However, more disturbing was the investigation of this person's life, which is filled with drug-addled ramblings of despair, all while trying to claim some kind of supernatural connection to the Lord.

I don't understand how we defeat this enemy, a power so evil it can warp and destroy the very mind of people in ways that remove them from reality while some part of them tries to cling to some hope.

How can we know who earthly enemies are, as opposed to those who are victims of a broken world? Where is the line that defines when someone's choices have led them into opposition of goodness, as opposed to having been taken there against their will? Once there, how should we respond when they cry to the Lord ... has the Lord decided not to answer, or are we to be the answer?

I know I cannot judge this situation ... this is evidence that judgment is far beyond my understanding. This is also evidence of the work of the enemy, so very active and aggressive in the world around us, actively devouring and destroying lives. This is all we can truly fight against.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for those under the influence of satan, and all his means and minions. I understand many have gotten there of their own choices and actions. Yet may your mercy be upon them. You know their hearts; when they cry to you, may you answer accordingly. Amen.