God allowed the inhabitants of the land of Canaan to remain until Israel was large enough to move in. The Canaanites and others kept it clean and manicured until Israel was ready and their numbers and strength had increased. He intended to drive them out gradually so the wild beast would not take it over. I can't help but compare it to our sanctification and liberation. Some of us must systematically go through a process and rid ourselves of past fear, trauma, unbelief, and rejection to clean our minds. It is a gradual release so the Holy Spirit can strengthen our confidence and faith in him. There is the initial relief that follows salvation, but then we have to give up old sinful habits and release the filthy build-up left there by our old ways to complete the process of sanctification.
When Richard's dad died, we had to move onto his property quickly because thieves and robbers found out he was gone and immediately began to loot. We ran off three groups of thieves, but that's just the ones we caught. At that point, law enforcement was no help; we had to secure the premises ourselves. Once the community realized that it was not a game and that their actions could have severe consequences, they quit trying to ransack the home.
You must work closely with the Holy Spirit to release your mind from the enemy's stronghold. Just like we had to secure Richard's dad's property, it is up to you to secure your mind and arm it against future thieves and robbers. It's a challenging task, but it's well worth your effort. It may not be easy, but He will never leave you or forsake you.
I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee. By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land. Exodus 23:29-20
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