Battle Fatigue

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. Tours of duty for military personnel are not so long today and thus similar psychological symptoms are called, "Post-traumatic Stress," as they sometimes show up after the soldier has returned from the war.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the never-ending battle? You're not alone! 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 man faces opposition 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! This is no imaginary war. It is real and those who are 'in Christ,' 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."

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 IF we want to remain strong. 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. Jesus said, "I will never leave you, never forsake you."

Third, become aware of threats - internal and external. Don't be dumb!

Fourth, adopt a defensive posture from a secure place of faith!

And "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)
____________________________

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.I hope you will be in worship this Sunday.

Come and let the songs and prayers of God's people lift you up. And, God-willing, I will be taking a look at Luke 1, at the story of Zechariah, a priest who needed soul-renewal. See you at 10:15!