I awoke this morning after a good night’s sleep. The baby, all though cutting molars, had not cried out in the wee morning hours. I had spent some wonderful quality time with my spouse before bed, and had even written a chapter for my new novel that I could be proud of prior to tucking in for the night.
I was naturally shocked then when my first thoughts before even fully waking were ones of worry and anxiety. I wasn’t aware of what exactly should be causing me concern, but if I thought on it for any length of time, my mind was able to conjure up a handful of stress-causing dilemmas currently in que for my stewing pleasure.
I was surrounded by gorgeous children, and kissed goodbye by my loving and hardworking husband on his way out the door. I had a cup of coffee and a giggling baby in my lap, and I knew that deep down, I was without reason for the mood that flitted around the edges of my mind, trying to sour me with its stench.
I began to realize that I had been robbed as I slept, that like a thief the devil had come to take my joy, my thankfulness, and replace it with anxiety, fear, and depression.
Many people will scoff at thoughts of Satan and his supposed evil schemes, and still others will be quite certain that while he does exist, he is unable to penetrate the fortress that the title “Christian” provides for them against his sneaky advances.
I have decided that while I am a devote follower of Christ, I am not above the scheming tactics of the enemy. He does exist. If you believe in good, you must also believe in evil. While I am protected from invasion by this foul evil, I am not beyond the silent influence that he tries to use to infect my spirit.
In hindsight I am aware of his treacherous schemes. He uses my low self-esteem against me, and when I am trying something new, he easily whispers negative lies into my ear. See them. They are better and more learned at this than you. Perhaps this isn’t your thing. You’re not good enough to succeed at this.
He instills a fear, and thoughts that if something bad can happen, it will. He tells me the worse case scenario, then feeds that thought. If I don’t receive an answer, a return text, or an email, he feeds doubt into my relationship with others. The devil will make you feel like you are not liked, or favored, and that others are out to get you. He sows seeds of distrust, impatience, anger, and dread. Then he waters them so the bad thoughts may take deep root.
Satan tells you that you can’t succeed no matter how hard you try, that you’re not good enough, and because of your past and where all you lack, that you will fail. And miserably so. Perhaps quitting now would be best.
His sole purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. He’ll destroy your God-given vision, your confidence, but worse, your peace and your joy. He will take your joy that is your gift and replace it with fear, or self-loathing. He’ll infect it with doubt, anxiety, and dread.
He’ll do this so silently and stealthily that you might not even be aware of what he has stolen. You will have been robbed, but will have no idea.
When darkness invades your thoughts and sadness overtakes you, consider if your joy has been stolen by the original thief himself. Often times it’s hard to see, and a blind reach for the light of God is all that one can do. Hope, faith, and love. These are the lines that tether you to the Rock when you feel like you are falling. And even if you fall, He will still be there.
This morning I did not let the devil keep what he tried to take from me. It was not his to hold. I reclaimed ownership right then and there of my hope and my joy, and most importantly, my peace, the peace that belonged to me because Christ died. He gave His life so I might live, abundantly, and surrounded in peace.
Perhaps when he comes next I will be more aware of his schemes and ready to ward off the evil he tries to use to claim my thoughts as his own. I will stand strong, not because I am strong, but because my Savior is, and that is all the strength I need.
Bryan says
Amen! The closer you come to the Lord, the more advanced Satan’s schemes tend to be. Continue to guard your heart and keep on all of God’s armour.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much. I certainly will.
Angie says
Amen, I needed that. God is using you. Thanks for allowing Him to!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much for your encouragement. I needed that. 😉