Throughout his reign, wars were waged against King David from all sides. He had a deep desire to establish a permanent house for God and he wanted to dwell in the midst of God’s presence. He knew that in God’s presence there was peace, joy, and contentment. Although he had experienced the pleasure of dwelling in God’s presence, the king was constantly drawn into conflict, adversity and attack. In his adversities and confrontations, God was the source of his strength, help and protection. Out of that deep love for God, he had a great desire to establish a permanent place for the presence of God. He was never able to accomplish his passion for God’s house as a result of the wars and adversities. The Lord God told King David that he would have a son named Solomon, who would build the house of the Lord. The name Solomon means “peaceful.” God said he would give peace and quietness to His people during Solomon’s days. When he was ready to build the house for the presence of God, Solomon made this statement.
1 Kings 5:3-4 AMP You know how David my father could not build a house to the Name of the Lord his God because wars were about him on every side, until the Lord put his foes under his feet. But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil confronting me.
The word adversary is the same word that is translated “Satan.” Solomon was saying, “There was no Satan or evil confronting me.”
Is it possible for life to be lived in such a way that there is no adversary?
Is it possible to live in victory and peace? After David had wars on every side and put his foes under his feet, Solomon was able to live and enjoy rest on every side. With the adversary being extremely active in these days, is it possible for Christ to cause His church to be free from the power of evil.
Solomon and his people did it before Christ died for our sins.
The old covenant does not provide superior blessings to what we gain through Christ and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit.
There is certain victory, power and blessing in Christ.
In the book of Hebrews 11, there is a long list of people who achieved many great victories by faith. Much is said about their victories and how they conquered adversaries and enemies. They subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of aliens, (Hebrews 11:33-34).
When you are facing the adversary and evil, you will overcome by the power of the blood of Christ.
You want your name listed with those who conquered. We are convinced that nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of Christ. There is no tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril or sword that is able to separate us.
Romans 8:38-39 NKJV For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Listen to the verse at the end of Hebrews 11.
Hebrews 11:40 NKJV God having provided something better for us…
Hebrews 12:2 NKJV Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…
God has provided something better for us in Jesus Christ.
We need to know what it is like to dwell in the presence of the Lord and enjoy His victory that overcomes.
- In His presence, there is peace, joy, and love.
- In His presence is glory and grace.
- In His presence is relief and release.
- In His presence, the adversary is already defeated.
God provided rest on every side so that neither adversary nor evil was confronting Solomon.
We need to see the riches of blessing that is provided in Christ.
If the victory that the Lord gave David over his foes could bring relief and rest to Solomon and his people, what can Christ’s victory bring to us?
Hebrews 13:20-21 NKJV Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
There is a place in Christ where there is no room for the adversary or evil.
This is the place under the shadow of the Almighty. It is the holy place where the blood of Christ is our covering and the Spirit of the Lord is working mightily in us.
Ephesians 4:27 AMP Leave no room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him].
Do you remember when somebody caught Jesus?
Jesus and His disciples arrived on the other side of the Sea of Galilee and went into the country of the Gadarenes.
Immediately upon getting out of the boat, a man met him who had an unclean spirit. He had his dwelling in the tombs and no one could bind him, not even with chains. There was so much evil and influence of the adversary in his inner man that they called themself “Legion; for we are many.” When the man came into the presence of Jesus, the adversaries knew they had to leave. At Jesus’ word, the demon-possessed man was set free and a dramatic change happened that the people of the city could see.
Mark 5:15 NIV84 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.
Satan and all of his power must yield and flee in the presence of Jesus.
Immediately after this, a ruler of the Synagogue came and worshiped Jesus.
Mark 5:23 He said to Him, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hand on her, that she may be healed and she will live.”
While Jesus and His disciples were following Him, a woman caught Jesus.
This woman had a blood disorder and was beyond the customary help. She had heard about the Lord and came behind Him in the crowd, determined to find Jesus.
Mark 5:28 NKJV For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”
She got close enough that the power of Christ that heals and sets captives free surged through her sick body and she was healed of her affliction.
In Mark 9:35 it says, ‘While Jesus was speaking to her, some came from the ruler’s house and said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”’
Jesus told the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” When they arrived at the house, the resurrection and the life was present. Things change when Jesus comes into your house. He walked over and took the child by the hand and said, “Talitha, cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, rise.” Immediately, death left the room and the girl arose and walked.
What happens when we come into contact with His presence, power and Spirit?
There is healing in the house. There is removal of affliction. There is deliverance in the tombs. Satan and adversity must flee.
1 Kings 5:4 AMP Solomon said, “But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil confronting me.”
This is what God has done for us in Christ. We have victory and rest on every side.
1 Corinthians 1:30-31 NLT God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”
He has been made wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. Whatever you need, you will find rest on every side in Him. In His presence, the adversary and evil must flee. Adversity and evil has to flee. Many years ago, a woman came to our church who was bound by the spirit of witchcraft and divination. For many generations her family had been tormented and controlled by the power of evil. She came to church and found a place where the adversary had no hold on her. During one of those services, God set her free from the powers of evil that had tormented her family. From time to time, the adversary attempted to come back and destroy what God had done for her. She found something that everyone needs to find. In God’s presence, she had perfect rest and peace from the adversary and every evil foe.
2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Galatians 5:1 NKJV Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free…
John 8:36 NKJV Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
