Every single day there is an unseen, invisible battle brewing all around us. The Enemy sneaks around trying to wear us down, attacking our vulnerabilities. Our dreams. Passions. Hopes. People. Our everything…body, soul, and mind. His greatest attack against us occurs in our mind, blinding us to the truth that God is for us, masterfully weaving everything together in our lives for His glory and our good.
We quickly forget we are warriors on the front line equipped to do battle. We are made for the battlefield. It’s time we learn how to fight.
Stop living unaware…
- Unaware that “the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
- Unaware that the devil is “a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).
- Unaware that the devil is deceitful and cunning (2 Cor. 11:3).
- Unaware that Satan has become ruler of this world and prince of the power of the air (John 12:31, 2 Cor. 4:4, Eph. 2:2).
- Unaware that He also is an accuser (Rev. 12:10), tempter (Matt 4:3), and deceiver (Gen. 3).
Simply unaware.
No wonder some days are so hard.
We consent victory to the Enemy without even realizing it.
Start living aware!
But did you realize that you have a choice? You can take up your sword and fight! We don’t have to succumb to the temptation of our Enemy. Spiritual warfare teaches us to exercise our will. We can choose the art of interruption. We can interrupt our thought processes and choose to focus on “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable if there is any excellence if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Phil. 4:8).
It’s honestly quite liberating to realize that there is such hope! We don’t have to live in the pit of despair. We can discern whether our thoughts are pleasing to God by one simple question, “Is this thought of the flesh or the Spirit? Does it bring death or life?” For darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can. Anger cannot drive out anger, only forgiveness can. “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).
We can see hope in the midst of hopelessness. See peace in the midst of chaos. Have a hope that the world does not have. We can see clearly that all things work together for the good of them that love Him and are called according to His purpose. –Priscilla Shirer
How to Combat the Negative
Combat negative thoughts with the truth found in the Word of God.
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sonsof God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Romans 8:14-17
Prayer: Dear God, Open my eyes to see the sneaky tactics of the Enemy and make me more aware that you have given me the ability to fight. The battle is won! Help me choose to think like you! Amen.