correct us... direct us... protect us

Late last night, I was lying in bed staring out my bedroom window. Earlier, Chuck had fallen asleep in his recliner located in our family room, and I just didn't have the heart to wake him up. So, I was alone with my beagle snuggled under summer-weighted covers and enjoying the soothing breeze that was rhythmically waltzing in and out of my bedroom's open window.

Usually, when I am awake at such hours, it is a great time for me to study, pray or write because it is so quiet. However, last night, I was content to just gaze out my bedroom window. Nearby our home is a strategically placed street light which often illuminates the beautiful trees in our subdivision. I love to watch the tall, established trees lean with the currents of the wind - swaying back and forth, back and forth. It is so peaceful and calming.

Anyway, while enjoying the peace of last night, I noticed two strange shadows of movement outside. I grabbed my glasses to focus in better on the glowing-eyes lurking about our lawn. Thankful that I was inside, I started thinking about how many dangerous creatures really do exist and hunt in suburban locations. Interesting... yes.  A little unsettling... well, yes!

As I watched the two shadows disappear into the darkness behind some trees, I started thinking about the evil powers that lurk around my life within the spiritual realm. Most of the time, I foolishly forget that there is a constant battle taking place around me... that my seemingly simple, average life is surreptitiously infiltrated by the subtle and relentless intrusion of Satan sneaking around my heart and home. Thankfully, last night I was reminded how important it is to give Jesus full residence within my life and stay close to Him even when moments may seem peaceful and quiet. I must remain strong in the Lord and in his mighty power as outlined in Ephesians chapter 6 - constantly putting on His whole armor and uniting myself with Him in Spirit. I wish to always be a living temple under holy renovations made to accommodate His welcomed residence within my heart.

Immediately, verses from Psalm 25 came to mind...

To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD. Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant. For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish. Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me! Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you. (Psalm 25:1-21)

Ladies, wickedness is all around our lives and Satan is lurking about to snare us so that we will be ineffective in God's kingdom. Let's not let him! Let's be aware of the enemy's subtle presence and protect ourselves in the Lord! Let's be on full alert to the wicked shadows of evil men and spirits that scheme against our eternal success. Their hunting grounds are where we live relaxed and sleepy - hidden within the false comforts of the attractive idols in which we still cling to. But heed my words... there is no true comfort without the Lord's statutes. There is no safety or growth without His refuge and strength. His presence is where we must always rest - nowhere else.

So today, submerse yourself in God's perfect word and curl up in His promised hope. Memorize and hide His truths in your heart.... for it will correct you. It will direct you. It will protect you!

Remember, the battle is not planned according to the way this world fights; earthly stratagems are not our concern because the enemy does not play fare in this capacity. No, our warfare is spiritual in nature and our power comes from God alone. Let's praise Him for His promised deliverance and trust Him through the insidious attacks formed against us. He will protect us from corruption if we will remain in Him.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you." (John 15:4a)

Lord, you are my rock and deliverer from evil. For the sake of your Name, lead and guide my every step. Continue to be a guiding light through every darkness... through every shadow. Let me not become comfortable to the trappings of this world's philosophies, reasonings, and schemes. Let me not be blinded by a devil who distracts my human eyes with false promises of comfort, pride, self-centeredness or self-confidence. Rather, let me trust in You alone. You are my safety and assurance. Let me remember that you surround those you love with your protection... and that no principality will ever prevail against any of your decrees. Teach me to always remain within your holy boundaries so that I may avoid all danger. And use me, dear Father. Use my heart to house your Spirit's holy presence. Use my home to share your Son's unfathomable love. Use my life to further your kingdom, Almighty Father. I wish to remain in you always.

A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right man on our side,
the man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth, his name,
from age to age the same,
and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo, his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers,
no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours,
thru him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill;
God's truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever.
(Martin Luther)

Ladies, the gates of hell shall not prevail against our God. (See Matthew 16:18) So, let's live every day totally surrendered to the will of the Lord of Hosts. He will protect His people!

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7)

A mighty fortress is our God! WOO HOO!

Blessings!

~Victoria