During WWII, the phrase 'battle fatigue' was coined to describe the emotional state of those soldiers who were mentally broken by the stresses of warfare. It would show up in different ways - loss of sight, hearing, paralysis. Excessive anxiety and irritability were often in evidence too. Soldiers suffering battle fatigue were usually not able to recover even though they were sent to rest and when they returned to their unit they generally could not fight effectively.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by life’s battles? We struggle to keep the boss happy, to deal with family demands, to keep our homes in good repair, to do the right thing, with temptation … to the point of exhaustion. The person who is committed to making a difference in the name of Christ Jesus - in her own life, in her extended family, and in her world - faces a daily struggle! The Bible points out that the godly person fights on three fronts simultaneously. He must contend with 'the flesh,' the sinful nature within himself that resists the work of God. He must overcome 'the world,' the "evil in the machine," that turns good things like government into tools of oppression and evil. He must wrestle with the Devil's forces, those demons that work to frustrate God's plans and purposes. Sounds ominous, doesn't it? It is!
The conflict is real and we are front-line soldiers called to establish and defend the kingdom of Heaven. The more devoted a person is to the cause of Christ, the more intense the fight becomes. Martin Luther's famous hymn has this line: "this world with devil's filled, should threaten to undo us!" If we are focused on our own strength, if we try to live on our own terms, we may well become 'undone.' That hymn goes on to say, "we will not fear for God has willed, His Truth to triumph through us."
Battle fatigue can set in unless we follow the wisdom of our General. Peter speaks to the battle and how we can stand strong through it all. Meditate on these words from the Word today. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 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." (1 Peter 5:6-10, NIV)
Did you note the way the truth unfolds?
First, be humble. God has no supermen in His army, none of us can discard our fellow soldiers, or go off to do our own thing. The soldier who would stand in the face of the Enemy, must first kneel before God!
Second, consciously off-load the stress onto His shoulders. Specifically pray about your concerns, seeking His comfort. Remember, Jesus said, "I will never leave you, never forsake you."
Third, stay aware of your needs and the threats you face - internal and external. Don't be dumb! We can bury our pain under diversions of work or pleasure, but it’s still there and will collect at the most unexpected moment. We can ignore the battle that rages just outside of our consciousness for a time, but we do so to our peril.
Fourth, adopt a defensive posture from a secure place of faith! Your ultimate security comes from trusting in the Lord. Note the promise again: "God, (who has) called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, ....will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation." (1 Peter 5:10, NLT)
Are you weary?
Make time to be quiet in His Presence.
Breath in the renewal of spirit that comes by means of God's Holy Spirit. The hurry-up pace of life quickens even more around this time of year, doesn't it? Tragically, if we don't take charge of our schedule, what should be a celebration of Light and Life, can become the occasion for more fatigue, deeper despair.
________________________
In the presence of Jehovah,
God Almighty, Prince of Peace,
Troubles vanish, hearts are mended,
In the presence of the King.
In The Presence Of Jehovah
Davis, Geron / Davis, Becky
EMI Christian Music Publishing
© 1983,1985 Meadowgreen Music Company (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) / Songchannel Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
CCLI License No. 810055
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