There's lots going on and I have churning in my guts. In thinking about some things today, this verse came to mind. When I
1 Peter 5:8
Be self controlled and alert;
be sober, be watchful;
be serious and keep watch;
be clearheaded, keep alert;
stay sober, stay alert;
be sober-minded;
keep your mind clear;
be vigilant;
control yourselves;
be on your guard;
discipline yourselves;
keep a cool head;
curb every passion.
Wow. That's just the first sentence.
You opponent, adversary, enemy, your great accuser, the Evil One, the devil...
...prowls, walks, stalks, goes, is poised to pounce...
like a roaring lion
...looking for someone to devour,
seeking whom he may swallow up,
would like nothing better than to catch you napping,
looking for some victim,
someone to chew up and swallow.
It's interesting how "he" seems to be all sneaky-sneaky with the prowling and stalking, but yet is a ROARING lion. I am thankful for the warning to be on guard, to pay attention, but do we often bother with that? Do we heed that warning? Do we do anything about it?
I am sensing a lot of spiritual turmoil "in the atmosphere." I'm feeling this warning. However, in the past, even when I have felt that spiritual prompting, I have failed to adequately suit up. I have not kept a cool head. I have not been self-controlled. I drop my guard, fail to be alert or clearheaded, fail to see the trap, and I walk right into battle. The battle scars are still visible, still painful, and nothing good has been accomplished. Nothing healed, nothing redeemed.
Lord Jesus, prepare me. Help me to cloak myself in the full armor of God so that I am equipped to take a stand against the devil's schemes. Help me to recognize the powers of the dark world, the spiritual forces in the heavenly realm, to separate them from people and hearts, and that I may act accordingly, in your will. Help me to wield weapons of love, grace, mercy and forgiveness, instead of beating "my opponent" with "truth" or sharp arrows. I admit to my foolish ways, my foolish thinking, my loose tongue. God I ask that you would be my wisdom and understanding, and that you would teach me to be a little more like you with every breath I take.
Lord, Prepare me. In Jesus name.
