Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8, NIV).
The Bible teaches we have a powerful, sentient, and diabolical enemy.
Peter says that he is a roaring lion seeking to devour us; Paul adds that the struggles of this life are against authorities, powers, and spiritual forces; Matthew calls him a tempter; the Book of Revelation describes him as a dragon and accuser, and Jesus warns that he is a liar and murderer.
We would be amiss if we were unaware of our enemy’s power, wiles, and evil designs for us. We need to be alert!
How?
Since we know that “greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4), we don’t need to fear, but we must be ready.
Let me share with you a daily three-layered defense: Preparation, Correction, and Reflection.
Preparation in the morning.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7).
Start each morning with this prayer, “God, I submit my life to you today. Make me aware of ungodly thoughts and actions. Allow me to sense when evil approaches. Allow me to overcome the devil through submission to your Word. Let me speak powerfully to bind attacks.”
Correction midday.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place (Ephesians 6:14).
Take a few minutes to reflect midday.
Often attacks start with something wrong or amiss in the morning—even someone messing up our Starbucks® order. This predisposes us to an afternoon temptation when we are drowsy and unaware.
I’ve found that when I reflect at noon, noticing irritability, leanings toward lust, or an inkling of discouragement, I can take the thought captive and replace it with a few seconds of rejoicing in God’s goodness.
Reflection at night.
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8).
What has destroyed or disturbed our peace during the day? Confess it and leave it behind. Allow God’s peace to return, and recognize that with the Lord overshadowing our life, there is nothing to fear.
Then go to sleep!
During my early years as a believer, we often discussed “spiritual warfare.” There were books written, sermons delivered, and even novels describing it (read Frank Peretti’s This Present Darkness).
Today, I’ve noticed little, if any, mention in discussions, sermons, and books about spiritual warfare. Scripture clearly says that the devil still prowls.
Are we now defenseless?
Let’s re-arm ourselves, becoming alert, with the daily practice of preparation, correction, and reflection.