Psalm 60:12 "Through God we shall do valiantly, for He it is that shall tread down our enemies."

I tend to get caught up on the emotions and dramas of the day and forget that I have a real enemy. This enemy wants to destroy me and all those around me. Yet all my little mind can think about is the trouble I am in or who is involved in my life that is causing me pain and put my focus there.

If my child is causing me anguish, I lob my weapons his way, forgetting that he is NOT the enemy.

If my husband is inconsiderate or not giving me the attention my stinky flesh thinks it deserves, boy do I let him have it. Silent grenades are blasted his way. I forget that he is NOT the enemy as he somehow ends up in the way of my "friendly" fire.

If my in law complains about us again, my mind wants to hurl unspoken assaults at their seeming purposeful lack of understanding. Although difficult, they are certainly NOT the enemy of my soul. 

Who is your enemy? He is the Father of Lies. He is the one who wants us to think on those things that are ugly, that are hurtful, that are not truth, that have no worth or praise in them. Why does he want our minds? Because if our thoughts are occupied elsewhere, we are incapable of fighting him. And, if our thoughts are filled with ugliness against others, we are actually helping him in his endeavors.

Instead of fighting people with our minds or even our mouths, we need to be fighting the good fight of faith. We need to be blessing those that curse us and praying for those who use us. Both blessing and praying for others starts in the mind and ends up in the mouth.

If you are having trouble with the true enemy or other kinds of "enemies" know that through God you shall do valiantly, and it is He that shall tread down your enemies, not you. Stop fighting people, and fight the lies that you have allowed to penetrate your armor.

In the trenches with you.

Deborah

devotions@thehomeschoolmagazine.com