Bible Study: What to Do When the Enemy is Attacking You

Character Focus: David (1 Samuel 16–30, select Psalms)

Introduction

Have you ever felt like the moment you start to breathe, another problem comes? Like the enemy has his foot on your neck, and no matter what you do, something else goes wrong? David’s life teaches us what to do in these moments. Before he wore a crown, he hid in caves,  and he was betrayed, attacked, and experienced loneliness. Yet, in all of it, he held to God.

David’s Story – The Narrative

1. The Anointing but No Throne

• (1 Samuel 16:13) David is anointed king, but instead of walking into a palace, he goes back to tending sheep.
• Lesson: Just because God anointed you doesn’t mean life gets easier right away. Sometimes the enemy attacks hardest after God marks you.

1. Facing Goliath, Then Facing Saul

• (1 Samuel 17) David defeats Goliath, but instead of applause leading to peace, Saul grows jealous (1 Samuel 18:8–9).
• Lesson: Victory often triggers attack. Don’t be surprised when breakthrough invites new battles.

1. Running for His Life

• (1 Samuel 19–24) Saul chases David like prey. David hides in caves, moves from city to city, and lives as an outcast.
• Lesson: Being under attack doesn’t mean you’re out of God’s will. Sometimes the wilderness is where God shapes us the most.

1. Even Betrayed by His Own

• (1 Samuel 30:1–6) When the Amalekites raided Ziklag, David’s own men talked of stoning him. It wasn’t just enemies, but friends who turned.
• But the text says: “David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” (v. 6).
• Lesson: When no one else is standing with you, God is still your refuge.

Spiritual Practices When You’re Under Attack

1. Worship in the Wilderness

• Many of David’s psalms were written while he was hiding. Example: Psalm 34:1 — “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
• Practice: Worship is your weapon. When life attacks, don’t let your mouth go silent.

1. Prayer as a Pouring Out

• David prayed raw, honest prayers: “How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1).
• Practice: Don’t bottle up the pain. Pour it out before God — He can handle your honesty.

1. Remembering God’s Faithfulness

• David remembered the lion and the bear when he faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17:37).
• Practice: Keep a memory of God’s past deliverances. What He’s done before, He can do again.

1. Strengthening Yourself in the Lord

• (1 Samuel 30:6) When everything burned down, David encouraged himself in God.
• Practice: Sometimes no one else will remind you — so preach to yourself. Declare God’s promises over your life.

Application for Us

• When the enemy attacks relentlessly, remember:
• Attack often confirms anointing.
• The wilderness is training, not abandonment.
• Worship and prayer are survival tools, not luxuries.
• Strength in God is always available, even when strength from people isn’t.

Discussion Questions

1. How can you tell the difference between being under attack and simply facing natural life challenges?
2. What spiritual practices (worship, prayer, fasting, Scripture) have helped you when you felt overwhelmed?
3. Like David at Ziklag, when you feel isolated, how can you “strengthen yourself in the Lord”?