Not Today Satan!!

 Vulnerable and transparent moment here:

     A few weeks ago I was really really struggling with anxiety. It is something that I battle from time to time, but this spring/summer it got really bad with various issues that felt like they popped up one after another, after another…home owner challenges, vehicle challenges, medical challenges, concerns for loved ones, my mom ending up in the hospital etc…  Im not proud of it because what it means is that somewhere along the the lines I let the enemy place a thought that I allowed to seep in and grow. The enemy of our hearts comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He will do it by whatever means we allow…that is the key. We have authority over him because of Jesus. 

Have you ever been in the water trying to get above the surface because you are gasping for air? It felt like that. About the time Id get ready, fighting hard, to resurface for a breath, Id get yanked under again with something else, never able to fully catch my breath. The truth is, that I had the ability to tell what (my thoughts) was allowing me to choke on water to GO in Jesus Name. I was so distracted with circumstances that I couldn’t get my mind to focus and shut out the noise of distraction although I really wanted to. Its almost like I couldn’t shut the sounds of Hell up in my mind.  I got to the point of literally throwing up and being physically ill because of anxiety before it came to a head from a final blow. All of it just before heading out of state to attend a family camp.  I knew I needed that time away, and so did the enemy who was trying so desperately to keep the noise going. It was during that time of quiet I decided I didn’t want to “go back” to that “place”.  Id almost forgotten what that peace really felt like. It was always there for me to obtain, but I have a responsibility to tend to it and receive it.  

Responsibility is two words. Response and ability. If you have the ability to change a situation, what will your response be?  I realized that I had not been using my ability and my response was not good originally. I decided to start choosing differently, but it took me getting into that quiet place to refocus. We have the ability to resist the devil. We have the ability to refuse to listen to him. We have the ability to send him fleeing.  So many people I know are struggling this way. If you belong to God, the devil has no authority over you. He cannot rule your life. He cannot rule your thoughts…unless you invite him in or allow him to stay. The bible says resist him and he must flee. Resist him.

It is your responsibility to resist him. Jesus made a strong statement in John 10. He said His sheep know His voice. He went on to say, His sheep will not listen to, nor follow the voice of a stranger. Only listen to Jesus’ voice. Refuse to listen to or follow the voice of a stranger. The enemy is  relentless. Remember that he doesn’t need a full door open to your mind, but just a sliver of a crack where he can sneak a lie or thought in.   Ive KNOWN these truths for years but he never stops trying to find any crack where he can steal your joy. That IS his primary focus. Its not your family or finances etc…. It IS your joy!!  You know why? The joy of the Lord is your STRENGTH!! If he has your strength then you are easy prey to destroy. It is like little by little he strips your joy until you’re too tired to fight. I felt like Ive been there at times where Ive wanted to give in, fold, just be done…..BUT GOD!!!  God will always send you reminders of His truth. He will prompt people to pray, send reminders or encourage. He will speak to you but YOU need to be listening and willing to use your ability, your AUTHORITY. 

How do we do that? We hold every single solitary thought captive. It is in that moment that you have to determine what to do with that thought. Is it true, noble, right, pure, or lovely, As stated in Philippians chapter 4?  Or is it a fearful thought, one that steals your power and makes you feel like you are unstable and not of sound mind? You will know the difference by taking a look at 2 Timothy 1:7. Whatever the thought, if it’s not of God…shut it down immediately. Practice it as your RESPONSE within your ABILITY. Tell that devil NO!! NOT TODAY SATAN!!