The other day I was walking in the park and praying for friends that are struggling, and under attack in several different ways. As I was praying I felt like the Lord gave me additional insight into my own battles and those common to most.
First I should say that I am of the belief that there is a spiritual realm of which many of us in the western world are only somewhat aware. I make the distinction about western world, because most of the rest of the world, Asia, Africa, Latam generally believe in the spiritual realm, and it is part of their worldview.
Secondly, Jesus clearly had the perspective that there was a spiritual world, one which He dealt with and discussed quite often. The church holds this belief as well, although I think many in the Western church downplay the significance.
That being said, I do believe that one of the realities of my daily life is learning to deal with the spiritual realm, especially that which is against the Kingdom of God and His purposes. The way I regularly encounter this could be described as spiritual warfare, and most often it is not overt, but rather hidden from obvious view.
The Lord helped me to see the warfare I encounter is most often a distracting effort, something that is aimed at getting me focused on anything but the Lord and His purposes. Probably 98% of the time, the effort is to get me to think about myself, my situation or circumstance, and to turn my thoughts inward, towards my self. I am not talking about healthy self-care, and awareness of my own health, rather I am talking about unhealthy selfish focus, where my needs and wants are more important than anything else going on around me. Whether I am thinking about how others see me, or how my life hasn’t worked the way I want, how I don't;t have the things I want, or whatever, these suggested thoughts are all about me!
As long as I am thinking primarily about me, I am not seeing the world with the Lord’s perspective, I am not listening to Him, or looking to Him. Instead I am looking at myself, looking towards my selfish needs and wants.
Paul warns against this type of thinking in his letter to the Philippians 2:3 NIV:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,”
This selfish focus can come about in several ways, but I have noticed it almost always is the result of thoughts popping into my head, often at times when I am focused on better things, things that are of the Lord or related to His ways and purposes. I have also seen that these thoughts regularly pop into my head when I am tired, when I am frustrated, feeling depressed, or several other scenarios when I am not thinking, but more reacting.
I say that the thoughts seem to pop into my head, as I do believe that often these thoughts are not from me, but rather the result of the spiritual effort to distract me, and even cause me to sin, or disengage with what the Lord is doing. As I said before, I know if I am focused on myself, I become blind to much of what is happening around me… because my thoughts are turned inward.
So, how do I combat such a distracting attack? Peter provides us some simple advice in his first letter - 1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV:
[8] “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. [9] Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
James adds a similar note - James 4:7 NIV: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Resisting is the term, but how do you resist something you can’t see, and is often hidden? First as Peter write, we need to be alert. Much of this has to do with us learning to identify the tactics and methods of the enemy. Besides scripture, two books I have read that were very helpful are “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis, and “The War in Your Head”, by Bill Johnson. Both are excellent in helping to identify the way the enemy tries to distract and influence our thinking.
In the sport of boxing a very effective technique is called counter-punching. When the opponent throws a punch, you take advantage and throw a punch at the area that is in that moment unprotected. Spiritually speaking I think this is one of the ways we can resist!
In my life, when I notice I am under attack, or suspect that I am (Sometimes it takes me a bit to realize it) I start praying for the salvation of people that I know and love who are presently unsaved. What I often find is the thoughts and train of thoughts that had been regularly popping into my head suddenly cease.
This is partly because I am now thinking about God’s Kingdom and not so focused on myself, but I also believe that the counter-punch, if you will, of my prayers outweighs the effect of the distracting attack on me! The enemy is swinging at my head to distract me and I am landing body blows to his efforts to keep someone in the park and unaware of the Lord’s love for them!
There is much more to write on this topic, but hopefully this is helpful and encouraging. I know I am encouraged to continue to be alert and continue to resist the efforts of the enemy to distract me and get me focused on myself.
Lord, thank You for revelation and help! Give me strength to contine to pursue You and live my life representing You to those I meet. Help me to effectively resist the works of the enemy, and shine Your light of salvation to all I encounter.
Amen and Amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment