As I sat in my quiet time expressing my annoyed and hostile feelings to the Lord, I couldn’t help but ponder about fighting against “powers and principalities in dark places” when I felt like fighting with the person causing the problem.
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12 NLT)
When I see people in my life choosing to do wrong, hurting me and/or themselves, it is very difficult to focus on the unseen spiritual realm. The natural realm is front and center in such a tangible way, that sometimes I feel like smacking some sense into the culprit.
The problem with fighting against flesh and blood is that we become part of the problem, unable to discern truth from the “real problem”. Evil is a power that lurks in darkness and it stinks! We become blind to what we can’t see and get easily deceived.
When the battle heats up around us, we must consider the source of all wisdom and knowledge. We have the Word of God to instruct us on how to deal with every situation at hand and devise a strategy for dealing with “the enemy” who is the problem. First, we must believe God’s word in our heart to be truth, and then act on it. Since our struggle is not against people, we must deal with the real culprit, the devil.
The Curse
In the beginning, sin entered the world through a lie the enemy told Eve. The enemy was Satan (who is a spirit). In this instance, he took on the form of a serpent in the garden where he spoke to Eve, inciting her to sin. This is the consequence God imposed on Satan because of his part in bringing sin into the world.
“Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all animals domestic and wild. You will crawl on your belly groveling in the dust as long as you live. And I will cause hostility between you and the woman and between your offspring and hers. He (mankind) will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:14-15 NLT)
Therefore, the devil is likened to a snake who slithers around on the ground on his belly. This alone is enough to creep you out if you don’t like snakes, but it is a metaphor for this “spiritual” creature. You cannot see spirits (unless the Lord chooses to reveal them to you). Since you can’t see them, you must do your fighting with your spirit man, not the natural man. That means prayer, aka talking to God.
The Promise
The good news about fighting the enemy of our soul is Jesus gave all authority to his followers to trample on snakes (see Luke 10:19). Yes, the devil is under our feet! He can strike our heels all he wants, but we will always crush his head. Jesus gave us the authority to overcome evil, “to stand over evil”. We may not be able to kill it, but we can overcome it. Therefore, the enemy will not get the better of you unless you let him. The devil came to bring death to man, but look at what God’s Word says about death.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat it’s fruits.” (Proverbs 18:21ESV)
“Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” (Proverbs 17:28 ESV)
Oh how we would do well to remember that and stifle our tongues. We must overcome the desire to speak in times of trouble, no matter how true the words we wish to say may be. We must first take all our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ in order for lies to be exposed. Jesus is the “light” of the world. He will always shine in the darkness, exposing the lies. But, one must first silently look to the light to discern truth.
Crafty Creature
I’ve been taught that the devil can’t hear our thoughts. He can put his lies in our head, but he can’t hear what we think. He can, however, see how we react. Only you and God know your thoughts and your heart. But that devil is more crafty than most; he’s no dope. If your heart is not fully yielded to God, you betcha he’s gonna get a whiff. And that makes it easy for him to put his evil schemes into action.
A relationship with Jesus is necessary to overcome the lies of the devil. As we hold our thoughts before Jesus, they are exposed to the truth and then the lies disappear like a vapor. “Poof”, up in smoke they go, like a puff of hot air, stink and all. Just like flatulence in a crowded room, you can walk away from that foul odor. And that stinker, the father of lies (See John 8:44) says, it wasn’t me. LOL sometimes I crack myself up. Hey, if you can make yourself laugh when you’re mad, you’re ahead of the game.
A Pleasant Aroma
As I wrote all of this in my prayer journal, suddenly, all that anger, hostility and annoyance went away. I was left with the sweet aroma of the fruit of the Spirit. Patience, goodness, gentleness, and self-control gave way to love, mercy and kindness. Before I knew it, the peace that surpassed all understanding filled the room and my heart became joyful. Wisdom and understanding advised over the negative situation at hand, and once again, I was an overcomer. Now, my spirit gives off a pleasing aroma to the Lord that repulses the devil. That foul odor just left.
In the book of Acts, there is a story about how Paul handled annoyance. One day he and Silas were on their way to the place of prayer when they were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination (fortune telling). Everyday, she was telling the people all about them.
“She kept doing this for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “ I command you the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.” (Acts 16:18 ESV)
In the same way, you have the authority to command evil spirits of darkness to get away from you and your loved ones by using Jesus’ name. He grants that authority to all who believe in Him. The devil is a liar who comes to kill, steal and destroy your faith and all that is good in your life. Don’t let him! Get into the Word of God, discover and claim His mighty promises. God is not a man that he should lie. He is Faithful and True!
So, whether you get annoyed, hot and bothered, or just plain mad, in troubling times seek Jesus with all your heart; He will be found. (That’s another promise.) You will find harmony in the middle of heartache.
“How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing even life everlasting.” (Psalm 133:1 NLT)
Take everything to Jesus, the good, the bad and the stinky. He will help you make the foul odor of the devil go away, leaving behind a pleasing aroma to the Lord (and everyone else around you).
Thank you for reading and sharing my blog. Maybe it can help someone who is not living in harmony find the peace of Jesus. God bless you all. Until next time!
Great word!