It sometimes starts when I wake up. My mind replays failures from the day before, past criticisms that still sting, but worst of all, lying voices that say my hope for a blessed future is a deceptive fairy tale.
Currently, I fight my most intense spiritual battles over my thoughts. For me, it is imperative that I do not let deceptive, discouraging thoughts stay in the forefront of my mind because they can take root and multiply. I compare saying no to these thoughts with pulling weeds in a garden. This work is never ending and I gladly accept this assignment because the results are such a blessed relief. Peace and joy then pass thru my mind’s gate and I sleep better at night. I’m so very thankful Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection gives me the authority to defend my mental fence line.
Jude 1:9 (The Message) “The Archangel Michael, who went to the mat with the Devil as they fought over the body of Moses, wouldn’t have dared level him with a blasphemous curse, but said simply, ‘No you don’t. God will take care of you!’“
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
I daily put on the helmet of salvation and protect myself by believing God blesses me every day regardless of my circumstances. I simply look for my blessings during the day, and heartily thank God for them. I stand firm with the knowledge that the provision of good things to come is God's responsibility. I can then enjoy the adventure of discovering new truths and abilities without the pressure of producing them.
My offensive strategy is to choose thoughts that direct me forward in the purpose and assignments that God gives me. I remind myself that all is well for me by the healing and emancipating power of Jesus’ blood shed on the cross, and his resurrection. A very wise associate pastor from a local church informed me that the minute she gets out of bed each morning, she stands up, raises her arms in praise and enthusiastically declares Psalm 118:24 (NKJV) “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it!” There is nothing like praise to push back the influences of hell.
Ephesians 6:15-18 (The Message) “Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued…Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. God’s word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.”