Surrounded by Bulls
We hear these things in our head that greatly discourage us - something from another realm and the Psalmist’s words ring true:
Psalm 22:12–13 - Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me; they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion.
This is one reason God is spoken of as a refuge - he strengthens us in the face of those things that seem - and really are - too much for us. For, with one word, God commanded the universe into existence and orders even the demons:
Luke 4:32-36a - they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. And they were all amazed
From the very beginning, God has been with his people:
Genesis 26:24 - And the Lord appeared to [Jacob] the same night and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham’s sake.”
Those who believe in Jesus are Abraham’s sons, too:
Galatians 3:7 - Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.
And, so, Jesus himself, God’s Son, carrier of the covenant, also said he would be with us:
Matthew 28:20 - “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
May the Spirit help us put off all sin in our lives so God’s presence is not obstructed from us!
Ephesians 4:30 - And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
When the bulls surround you and the lions roar, remember: God breaks the bulls and can out-shout anyone:
Job 37:5 - God thunders wondrously with his voice…
Seek him:
Psalm 27:5 - he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.