When Israel became strong, they pressed the Canaanites into forced labor but never drove them out completely. Judges 1:28
The Israelites may have conquered the lands God promised, but there were places where the Canaanites remained. Eventually, those not driven out were forced into labor, but even so, their presence affected the Israelites; the gods these people worshipped became too enticing.
We all have things in life that we try to conquer, yet we never seem to obtain complete control over them. How many times have I prayed as Paul did, "Lord, remove this thorn from my side."? Yet, it remains. The question is: What am I going to do with the thorn? Will I be enticed by it? Will I vacillate between obedience and disobedience? Or will I turn to the One who rules over all?
Lord, I accept that in this life I may never gain control over every enemy, but give me the strength to deny the gods that remain. I choose to worship You.