Think Encouraging Thoughts!

Same trick, different day.  That’s the way I feel about ol’ Lucifer every time he shows up and tries to discourage and distract me by attempting to plant seeds of doubt and worry in my mind. 

It never fails.  The more I submit myself to the Lord and the plans He has for my life, here comes that old raggedy devil trying to throw a monkey wrench into the works.  Well, in 2013 I’m not having it.

I evicted him a couple of years ago, and for some reason he thinks he can just come back and set up homestead again.  Our relationship is over, and the space he once occupied in my mind has been filled with soundness.  I’m free, and I intend to remain that way.

My mind used to be the devil’s playground; he’d get in there and play all kinds of games.  All of the lies and crazy thoughts he planted in my mind had me all out of sorts.  For years, I was so mentally unstable, going through life on a loopy, emotional roller coaster.  My mind was so noisy, and because my psyche was under the enemy’s constant attack, my life, in turn, was in complete disarray.  I couldn’t focus or remain encouraged to save my own life.

I fought a long, hard battle through prayer, fasting, and meditating on God’s word to overcome the enemy in that area of my life, and I refuse to ever allow him to influence my mind again.

I’m not naïve though.  Although I know the Lord has freed me from that bondage, it still doesn’t stop Satan from trying to ease his way back into my thoughts, overtake my mind, and discourage me from believing God’s promises and plans for my life.  Oh but the devil is a liar, because John 8:36 declares that “if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” My bags are unpacked, and I will not be going on anymore mental trips.

I am serving the devil notice that he should’ve kept me ensnared when he had the chance, because the spirit of the Lord now resides, and works, in me, and because of that I am forever free.  I don’t care what my circumstances look like, or how my feelings try to counteract my faith, never again will I be entangled by the psychological bondage of discouragement. 

That’s not to say that I won’t feel down sometimes, but come what may, I will not allow myself to fall down and wallow in sadness and depression when the spirit of joy lives within me.  

Decide today that despite the challenges and trials this year may bring, no matter how long you have to wait for manifestation of God’s promises to you, and even if everything falls apart before it comes together, you will not allow the enemy to distract you from God’s plan for your life or discourage you from holding on to your faith.

Be like Abraham, who never once wavered in his faith when God promised him and his wife Sarah a son, although it took 25 years before he saw what God said. (Romans 4:20)

I shared this with my Facebook family a few days ago:

The fact that the enemy is coming against me so hard in the beginning of this new year lets me know that the Lord has plans to do some amazing things in, through, and for me in 2013. The devil is mad because he's already defeated; my God has already lifted a standard against him on my behalf. Therefore, I rejoice for I know all shall be well!

Aren’t you glad that when the enemy comes in like a flood against your mind, your home, your finances, your health, or whatever he comes to attack, that the spirit of the Lord will raise a standard against him?  I don’t know about you, but that alone gives me every reason to rejoice right in the middle of the fight.

Even when your feelings don’t line up with your faith, make sure that your faith aligns with the Word of the Lord.  Believe the report, the promises, the power of the Lord beyond what the enemy whispers to your mind. 

Declare that in 2013 you will not give in to discouragement. 

Comments

[Heather C.]

I really enjoyed this article!

[Yelonda G]

I really needed this -thank you so much, I am so encouraged!