In our Focal Scripture, the psalmist speaks of the rod and staff of the shepherd. Notice that shepherds in bible times had a rod and a staff. They did not only seek to defend the sheep; they also went after the predators and marauders. The shepherds in bible times did not only play on the defensive; they also played on the offensive. They did not sit back to wait for their sheep to be attacked; sometimes, they went for the predators.
Friend, you were not redeemed by Jesus so that you can play on the defensive. You were raised to play on the offensive. You were raised to take the battle to the gates of the enemy. You were raised to tear down the altars of Baal. You were raised to pull down satanic systems and structures around you. You were raised to put the enemy to flight. You were raised to reclaim territories that the enemy had stolen in time past.
Jesus was made manifest that He might destroy the works of darkness. Jesus allowed you to emerge, so that you can pull down the works of darkness. Going forward, chase the enemy away from your dwelling. Push the enemy away from your territory. Attack every handwriting of the enemy frontally. Go against every semblance of the works of darkness. Leave no room for the enemy to play around and make a mess of your life.
Remember, the shepherd does not only defend the sheep; he also attacks the attackers. He goes on the offensive against predators and marauders. Like David, go after the lions and the bears in your field and rip them apart. You were not called only to defend yourself and your territory; you were also called to go on the offensive against every invader that wants to make a mess of your territory. You were raised to confront and conquer.
Don’t let the devil reduce you to a mere defender when you can be an attacker. Go on the offensive. Take the battle to the gates. Crush and defeat the enemy.