Cut Them Off

I read something this morning that caught my attention, particularly one little phrase that, honestly, sounds a bit harsh.

"All the nations surround me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

They surround me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

They swarmed around me like bees, but they died out as quick as burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off."  Psalm 1118:10-12

Initially this bothered me simply by the use of the phrase "cut them off."  This is not a good thing to say, at least not in our culture.  To cut someone off, either in traffic or in a conversation or even in a relationship is a bad thing.  It creates friction.  It means there is tension present.  It's negative.

But The Holy Spirit opened my eyes to the truth of this Psalm and I realized it's not a bad thing at all.  On the contrary, the Psalmist is doing something very good, even necessary, by "cutting them off" because the things he is cutting off are negative forces in his life that mean to do him harm.  If he fails to cut them off, they will surround him on every side, overtake him, and end his life.

There is a strategically impportant lesson here for each of us, but especially for leaders and ministers.  Here's what I mean.

There are forces in your life that will never do anything but drain you of precious energy and time.  Some of them are spiritual attacks of the enemy.  Some of them are unimportant distractions.  Some of them are stubborn, needy people who after years of counsel and prayer continue to refuse to listen or repent, but keep coming back over and over again expecting your undivided attention.  And sometimes, the things that need to be cut off are the long lists of little things that need to be done, but don't have to be done by you (or even done at all).

So whether it's a real enemy who desires to ruin your life or your marriage or your church, or just a major distraction that is usurping your energy from the people and projects where it should be focused, decide what needs to be cut off, then do it.  Say no.  Make changes.  Write it down and tell your spouse so you will not fudge on it. 

Why is this so important?  Because when you cut the things out of your life that kill your creativity and rob you of time that you need to be investing in those you are called to love and serve, you are honoring God.  You are ordering your life in a way that prioritizes Him.  You are freeing up precious space for God and what He has called you to do.

The Psalmist cut off his enemies in the name of the LORD.  It was for God's sake and by God's power.  Maybe we should do more of the same.