Be Alert!

This morning I was reading through 1 Peter.  It definitely is different reading Peter’s letter than Paul’s, for the flow of thought is different, no less inspired, just thoughts coming from a different mind.  I do so enjoy reading other authors who are writing about things I am thinking about, as it is helpful to get a different perspective. 

This morning I was reminded of these great verses from Peter, which have been helpful to me at many times.  The idea that the enemy is prowling looking for someone to devour is helpful.  I need to remember that my life exists in a battleground, and I am in danger. 

We were talking recently about the fact that there is a spiritual realm, and many of us, myself included, are unaware what is happening in this realm the majority of the time.  Peter calls this to mind and encourages us in the midst of our struggle.  Here are the verses -  1 Peter 5:6-11 NIV - 

6 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

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.

10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

I think it is helpful to know that dealing with temptation, as described in verse 9 (resist him) is common to us all and it does feel like a form of suffering.  Denying ourselves, denying the flesh, holding our thoughts captive, resisting what seems so attainable and desirable, agreeing with God’s plan and promise, rather than trying to force our way through, all are forms of suffering.  Waiting on the Lord to do what He said He will do is definitely a form of suffering… of enduring… of trusting in Him. 

I find my biggest battles are to hold onto the Lord, and resist the temptation to agree with the accuser.  I find that he is constantly accusing God or others with some evil intent, some hurtful thoughts, some plan not in my best interest.  I have come to recognize this is a form of vain imaginations, for most people around me are not thinking about me, nor do they have evil intentions for me.  

Clearly the Lord is always thinking about me, but not as a punishing God, but as one who has loved me since the beginning of the world, who died for me, who shed his blood for me!  He is interceding at the right hand of the Father for me, not whispering in the Father’s ears how they should smite me for my sins… 

Paul writes of this same theme in his letter to the Romans 8:31-34 NIV:

[31] “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? [33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. [34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”

Clearly the Lord is for us, and if we hold onto Him, stand firm in our faith, He will help us.  He will strengthen us, make us firm and steadfast and give us hope. I love Peter's admonition to be alert and of sober mind.  I definitely need to be reminded to pay attention to my thoughts, holding onto the ones that are towards the Lord and resisting those that bring accusation.

Lord, I thank You for Your amazing love, Your help, and Your encouragement this morning.  I thank you for giving us simple directions to help us walk through our life, staying on the path You have set for us.  

Amen and Amen!