self defence for the soul
Last week I was having a few doubts about some decisions that I’d really been
sure of before. But after taking some time for reflection, I recognized that
several lies had infiltrated my thinking, tearing me down with subtle
accusations. In fact, those decisions that I’d already made were from the Lord,
and He confirmed them again. Clearly, it was time to examine my spiritual
defenses. I am finding that everything I do related to taking a team back to
Haiti next month is being fought by the enemy. Here are some mandatory responses
to spiritual warfare – I hope you will take action in your battle as well: Stay
Alert: We are at war, so as Howard Hendricks says, don’t be surprised that
you’re being shot at. We are admonished to be self-controlled and alert, for our
enemy “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter
5:8.) Take Cover: Put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and walk in truth,
practice righteousness and exercise your faith. Stand firm and pray! If it’s
been more than one week since you’ve reviewed this passage, read and pray
through it right now. Fight back: Are you living in a museum, with your sword
hanging on the wall in display? That’s exactly what you’re doing if you leave
your Bible on the shelf. The Word of God is living and active and sharper than
any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of
both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the
heart (Hebrews 4:12, emphasis added.) A sword is not a defensive barrier – it’s
a weapon of assault – which is why it is sharp and piercing. How prepared are
you when it comes to self-defense of your soul? Are you a white belt? A black
belt? Something in between? Keep up the regular protection of your heart, mind,
spirit and soul. Here are some questions I ask myself to keep alert and engage
in combat: That voice I hear – is it a shout or whisper? Yes, the Spirit often
speaks in a still, small voice – but He speaks other ways as well. And He isn’t
shy about getting my attention. God doesn’t hide from us. So when I detect a
whisper in my ear, I need to pay attention and ask, “Is this something that God
would shout from the mountain tops? Or is it something that my adversary is
quietly whispering in the darkness, hoping the lies will enter my mind without
being exposed to the light?” (Matthew 10:26-27.) Is the message life-giving or
draining? Jesus told us that our enemy intends to steal, kill and destroy – but
He came that we’d experience life abundantly (John 10:10.) Am I experiencing
assurance of who I am in Christ, or being driven to doubt? Is the message I’m
receiving making me more confident and full of faith? Or is it creating anxiety
or fear? (e.g. 1 John 5:11-12, Ephesians 2:10, Jeremiah 31:3, Romans 8:14-16.)
