We Are At War ...

but with spiritual forces. Recently I heard a very good sermon (unfortunately not posted as I write this) asserting that negative self-talk is a spiritual battlefield. The speaker emphasized those times when memories assault us unbidden. Out of the blue, we are crippled with guilt, regret, fear. We remember that we are not worthy of love, forgiveness, mercy. And we believe it. We know how bad we really are. We cannot hide from ourselves.

Richard J. Foster says,"Oftentimes your heart will condemn you for things for which God will not condemn you" (p. 69, Prayer). And although healthy guilt and remorse are a necessary part of my relationship with God, it is a lie that I am unacceptable. God himself has made me acceptable. The lie is wedged in my mind to create a rift between me and God, between me and other people. In recognizing this bait and switch tactic, we remember the power purchased for us to consciously choose to believe God and reject the lies.

As children of God, we have powerful tools to help us conquer these falsehoods. We are promised that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:1), and that we can take every thought captive, to make it obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10: 3-5). Although "the heart is deceitful above all things" (Jer. 17:9), God promises to transform us by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2).

The reality is this: The Enemy is Father of Lies (John 8:44), not just deceiver, and he will not go away without a fight. He prowls around like a lion (1 Peter 5:8) looking for prey. But God does not leave us to fight our own battles. He fights for us. He runs to our aid.

And Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33, 1 John 5:4) so, as Paul says in Ephesians 6:10-17, put on the whole armor of God...we are not abandoned, we are not alone.

Ask Him for the faith to believe His promises, His Word. He is Faithful and Good. He is able to meet all our needs (Phil. 4:19).

Encourage and share your experiences with each another (Eph. 4:29).
"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:19-20).

Seek the LORD and you will find Him. Be honest with yourself and with others. Give thanks for who He is making you. Ask for eyes to see the gifts He's bestowed and for a thankful heart that prepares the way for our Lord. 

(WIL, 5)