Recognize the Battle in Front of You

It starts with a simple little thought. Can I do it? Is this even for me? Do I deserve it? Am I enough? They sneak into our thoughts so seamlessly that they feel like one of ours. This is how the devil brings in deceit. It is not always obvious nor does it bring attention to itself. That is why we need to be aware of the lion prowling.

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

The word roaring sounds like he is being loud about it. However, it is here to describe the fierceness of the lion’s roar to claim their dominance. The devil wants his dominance over you! But do remember that you are nobody’s victim.

“You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued my enemies under my feet.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭18‬:‭39‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus died and conquered the grave. His name alone has the power you need to defeat. But first, let’s recognize and discern when the battle is approaching. There are three things God will never give you. Confusion fear and anxiety. If a thought brings up any of these three or with the purpose of creating any of these snatch it.

His word gives us the hint.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

If it doesn’t align with any of these, it won’t produce the fruit we are looking for. It is a battle because the fact that we can have up to 70 thousand thoughts a day means we are constantly monitoring and fighting the false narratives. But don’t think it’s all fight and no peace.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In the end, trust God and His peace will cover you. Trust God is for you and not against you. Trust that He is working in the silence. Trust that He will provide, protect and guide. Trust that He loves you and is not judging you nor abandoning you. Trust that He is not keeping anything from you to punish you.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The truth is, those thoughts will lead you to thinking the worst. God will lead you with peace, understanding, wisdom and strength. You are His child and He loves you more than you could ever know. So first, let’s recognize the battle in front of us. The silent battle in our minds. Then say this with me.

“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.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Amen