Secured by the Truth

When I was a little tyke in Sunday School, we sang -
"The devil is a sly old fox
and if I could, I'd put him in a box.
I'd lock him up, and throw away the key,
for all the dirty tricks he's played on me!"

The Scripture is more sophisticated in saying it, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:11, NKJV) The enemy of all that is good cares nothing for a fair fight and he will exploit anything in his pursuit of destruction. That is why we, Believers, must be full of the Spirit and centered in the grace of God so we are not duped by him.

Recently, I struggled against the temptation to serve Self all day long. I prayed for the tempter's power to be broken and focused my thoughts in praise and meditation on the Word. I know that when I am tired, when life has required me to give everything I have, that my sinful nature will clamor for attention. Just when I thought the battle was won, the enemy of my soul found opportunity to take a couple of more swings at me. Someone questioned my competency and an email arrived that added insult to my character! Ah, yes, he is a canny foe. He whispered, "See, you're really hurting now. You need to just let down your guard. Serve yourself!"

No matter what our occupation, regardless of how long we have been a follower of Jesus - evil is a real foe. The devil and his demons operate in the shadow world of deception and illusion, playing off of the very real circumstances in our lives, offering us 'relief' from our pain through things that will ultimately destroy us: hatred, unforgiveness, greed, sensuality, lust, drunkenness, use of drugs, laziness - to name a few. But in the hour of temptation we seldom see those things for what they are! He dresses them up in his lies and they appear to be just what we need to survive in the moment.

In the 4th chapter of Matthew's Gospel, there is the story of Jesus' encounter with the Devil. In the wilderness, where He was 'led by the Spirit' He found Himself weakened. The tempter shows up to exploit His desires, to offer false solutions to His longing to fulfill the mission God had given Him. "Turn these stones into bread. ... presume on God's power by forcing Him to intervene to save you from yourself ... take a shortcut to power by giving me worship!" Jesus did not argue with the tempter. He turned to Truth! Each deception was countered.
"It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" (Matthew 4:4, NIV) "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" (Matthew 4:7, NIV) "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" (Matthew 4:10, NIV)

When you find yourself in the wilderness of Temptation, don't trust your own strength. Let the Truth secure you. Pray for the Light to shine brightly dispelling the shadows. Name the temptation as God does, not with the pretty descriptions offered by the tempter, and the Lord will be your shield and strength.

Here's a word from the Word. Take it with you.
"How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!

Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes." (Psalm 119:9-12, NKJV)
_______________

Am I a soldier of the cross,
A follower of the Lamb.
And shall I fear to own His cause,
Or blush to speak His name?

Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed thro' bloody seas?

Sure I must fight if I would reign,
Increase my courage, Lord:
I'll bear the toil,
endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.

And when the battle's over
We shall wear a crown!
Yes, we shall wear a crown!
Yes, we shall wear a crown.
And when the battle's over
We shall wear a crown
In the new Jerusalem.

Isaac Watts© Public Domain