2297) There are times in life when we live in a pocket of conflict with others. These times are a vulnerability for me because I’ll do just about anything to avoid them.

As much as I try this, there are situations when it cannot be avoided. This leaves my spirit in a place of tension, and I am learning that this tension doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

When studying the Bible, God often uses one passage with another; he puts them together like two sides of a coin.

Psalm 109 and Exodus 34:29 are the ones God has brought to mind today.

In Psalm 109, David prays about the injustices of some people toward him. Their actions concerning him are out of spite and hatred, and David’s weapon against them is found in verse 4. He says he’s a man of prayer.

Why would David imply that the best way to “defend” himself is through prayer? That’s where we look at Exodus 34:29.

Here, Moses has just spent a long time in God’s presence, and the result is, his face shone like the sun. Why? Because being in God’s presence allows us to take on more of his characteristics.

When there are people in your life that cause you strife, spending time in prayer, being in God’s presence, will be the best weapon we can use.

Two sides of one coin: prayer and presence.