Suburban Trials by Fire

The past two weeks have seen me tangled up in spiritual warfare to a degree I have not experienced in some time. I am sure this coincides with the fact that I am making every attempt to get back into the Word of God on a regular basis, and to redeem my time left on the earth for His plans for me. What has happened is that anxiety over issues large and small has left me tied in knots and immobile. My productivity has been cut by at least seventy-five percent each day, and I have engaged in attitudes and conversations that were anger-filled and ungodly. Sometimes when we try to trace our steps back to see exactly where we got off of the path of righteousness and right-living, the trail goes cold somewhere in the little things of life. If I allow myself to be distracted by what is unimportant in an attempt to protect myself or my dignity or act on principle to punish people, or if I spend time stewing over slights instead of praying over situations, I will end up in a very unfruitful, barren wasteland, both spiritually and in other avenues of life. What I have learned these last two weeks is that my adversary, the devil, is exactly what the Bible says he is...a lion seeking to devour. If my mind and heart are focused on what God is doing, both in my behalf and in the lives of others, it's hard for Satan to get a foot in. When confronted with a situation that calls for me to act, I've learned that I must proceed prayerfully. It's better to react slowly and with tact and direction, than to head out on my own, without the protection and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Any time I act rashly or spend valuable time stewing, I am saying to God that I do not trust Him to be my protector, defender and advocate, all of which He has promised to be. I just need to stay tucked under His wing through constant connection to Him. I need to saturate my mind with his Word and my life and situations with prayer. Though I know we all go through trials, I do not believe God created me for defeat and humiliation. He has a plan for my life, and I know that it is good.