Sliding back in the mud
It's so easy to do, isn't it? When something goes wrong, that is usually the time when our tongue slips. Or even when the wrong thoughts cross through the mind. When it rains, it pours. And no matter how hard we try to move forward, it feels like we slide back in the mud.
Psalm 4: 4
In your anger do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
Ephesians 4: 26-27
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Satan is tricky. He attacks when we least expect it. And when he hits us, he hits us hard. He may even continue kicking you when your down. And sometimes it feels like a long time before you can stand up again. But to keep running a race, you've got to get up and keep moving forward.
We are told to put on the full Armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18. I know I've heard about it time and time again. "Put on the armor before you start the battle." Or how about this one: "Put on the seatbelt before you get in the accident." Yet sometimes I foolishly forget about it. I don't expect the attack of Satan anytime soon. It's all good, right now.
Maybe it happens when you are learning so much through Him . . . in valleys, in the midst of storms, or even on the mountaintop. Then Satan chases after us, his desire to bring us down - and keep us down.
We are so vulnerable, aren't we? We think we have it all under control.
Or maybe we don't.
But He does.
I remember one of the class discussion topics from Psych 30, which I took last year: How teenagers seem to think that nothing will happen to them. For example, we as teens tend to figure that we won't get injured if we try this fancy trick on a skateboard we've never touched before in our lives. What harm can it bring me, anyway?
Don't we as humans naturally tend to think in that way, as well?
"Oh, that will never happen to me. What are the chances that I would get hurt?"
"Oh, I don't need the Armor of God now. I'll ask for it when I think I need it."
Yeah, when we think we need it.
So often I think I'm doing okay with God. Then the tests come. He reveals to me how I need to change. How I need to be more desperate for Him, even when in a world full of things that make me comfortable. How I need to depend on Him for wisdom and understanding . . . and not only when I'm sliding back in the mud. Although it is difficult to feel in need and desperate for Him when we live in this world, that's what I want. To wear the Armor of God everyday as He leads me through battle. In stormy weather or on the clearest of days, it's important to be prepared.
Psalm 4: 4
In your anger do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
Ephesians 4: 26-27
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Satan is tricky. He attacks when we least expect it. And when he hits us, he hits us hard. He may even continue kicking you when your down. And sometimes it feels like a long time before you can stand up again. But to keep running a race, you've got to get up and keep moving forward.
We are told to put on the full Armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18. I know I've heard about it time and time again. "Put on the armor before you start the battle." Or how about this one: "Put on the seatbelt before you get in the accident." Yet sometimes I foolishly forget about it. I don't expect the attack of Satan anytime soon. It's all good, right now.
Maybe it happens when you are learning so much through Him . . . in valleys, in the midst of storms, or even on the mountaintop. Then Satan chases after us, his desire to bring us down - and keep us down.
We are so vulnerable, aren't we? We think we have it all under control.
Or maybe we don't.
But He does.
I remember one of the class discussion topics from Psych 30, which I took last year: How teenagers seem to think that nothing will happen to them. For example, we as teens tend to figure that we won't get injured if we try this fancy trick on a skateboard we've never touched before in our lives. What harm can it bring me, anyway?
Don't we as humans naturally tend to think in that way, as well?
"Oh, that will never happen to me. What are the chances that I would get hurt?"
"Oh, I don't need the Armor of God now. I'll ask for it when I think I need it."
Yeah, when we think we need it.
So often I think I'm doing okay with God. Then the tests come. He reveals to me how I need to change. How I need to be more desperate for Him, even when in a world full of things that make me comfortable. How I need to depend on Him for wisdom and understanding . . . and not only when I'm sliding back in the mud. Although it is difficult to feel in need and desperate for Him when we live in this world, that's what I want. To wear the Armor of God everyday as He leads me through battle. In stormy weather or on the clearest of days, it's important to be prepared.
posted by Sharilyn | 8:16 p.m.
2 Comments:
so we should put on the seatbealt of God before satan gives us an accident?? :) just kidding. i love what you wrote for this one though. thanks bunches for it. i know exactly what you mean about "sliding back into the mud" when we are trying to overcome something tough.
Thankyou Sharilyn for another great post,I'm always encouraged or challenged or convicted when I read your thought - provoking posts.You're a blessing, keep on being the vessel that God wants to fill up with Himself every day, and sharing what He is doing thru you.
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