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1 Samuel 14:20 "Then Saul and the people who were with him rallied and went into the battle; and behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion."

 

The confusion and infighting are in the Philistine camp which Saul's son Jonathan has infiltrated, causing a very great panic among the men. (1 Samuel 14:13-15). Once Saul realizes what is going on, he takes the opportunity to go to battle, and the Philistines, in their state of confusion and panic, are quickly routed. 

 

Confusion and in-fighting are signs of the absence of God. God is order and peace, so if we find ourselves feeling panicky, untrusting of our allies, or confused by what's going on in our world, we can presume God has pulled back a bit or, more accurately, we have pushed Him away, and the disorder of the devil has crept in. This is a very real phenomenon, we can see it happening all over the place in political, familial, and personal relationships right now. When I notice it in my own life, I find the best thing to do is step back from the confusing situation and just pray, lest I draw my sword against someone (which is always a temptation, as the many excoriating texts I have deleted in favor of "OK" can attest!🙂).

 

God is allowing the confusion and even sometimes panic in the world for His own purposes, but we don't have to allow ourselves to fall prey to them. We have Him on whom to rely, He will show us the way forward, and ultimately reveal truth out of confusion. Our job is to stay calm and not draw our swords against our fellows, thus not contributing to the confusion and panic while it is reigning.