No Longer a Sitting Duck

Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times, for the enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (Amplified Bible)

In Hind’s Feet on High Places, Much-Afraid is warned not to allow her cousin, Craven Fear, to paint a picture on the screen of her imagination. The same warning applies to each of us when it comes to an area of attack by our enemy, Satan. I find that the most frequently attacked place in my life is in my mind….my thoughts.

I have been awake for about 40 minutes. I spent the first half hour listening to some music on the radio. Christian music! And already the enemy was attempting to paint many scenes on the canvas of my mind. Although the sun has not yet risen on this day, the battle is on and I have determined to not let him succeed in his attempt to walk me down the spiraling staircase of despair, discouragement, and doubt. I have already put on God’s armor which is listed in Ephesians 6 and the moment I recognize the enemy’s introduction of thoughts I take action. For I have come to realize while all negative, shaming, condemning, harmful thoughts are introduced by him, it is my choice whether to believe and dwell on them or renounce them as lies, caste them down, and walk in the truth and light of God’s Word.

Yesterday was a different story. I did not stay vigilant, cautious, and alert to the schemes of the enemy. For as soon as I stopped rejecting his thoughts and started dwelling on them I lost the battle. I raised no shield of faith. I wielded no sword of the Spirit. I put up no resistance. It was like I had propped open the door to my mind and allowed him to bring in whatever thoughts he chose. The result was glee for him and despair for me! But I have a faithful God who desires that I learn from it. Through a friend, I was reminded that the negative, condemning thoughts ALWAYS come from the enemy and it is my responsibility to stop him through prayer, Scripture, taking thoughts captive, and fleshing out Philippians 4:8. That realization awakened in me a desire to fight. I am not to be a sitting duck on the battle field. I am a warrior child of the King of kings! I have armor and weapons to use. I know who my enemy is and I am aware of what he has been doing. It is now my choice to stand up to him with the authority God has given me and walk in victory with my head held high. It will not stop his attacks but it will make it harder for him to be successful!

Father, I stand in agreement with You on who my enemy is and how he is to be fought. May I no longer allow him access to my mind or entertain the thoughts he introduces. Help me to stand guard, use the weapons of warfare, and walk in victory. Amen.