Fear Creeps In

I actually should title this "When Satan Tries To Creep In."  My life is a spiritual battlefield.  I have grown so close to the Lord in the past few weeks as He has carried me through losing Charlotte.  I have spent more time in the Word and have been praying continually throughout the day.  Recently, I have known Jesus as my protector, my shield, my refuge, my strength, my comfort and my peace.  Today I was reminded that as I grow more and more in love with my Jesus, Satan wants to destroy that.  He wants to distract me.  He wants me to fear.  He wants me to question my trust in God.  Knowing from past experiences he knows just how to trick me and that is fear.

"Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

As I mentioned in the last post, Zoe is sick with a stomach bug.  When I finally got in the shower today,  Satan began his attack.  I began to worry.  You know the "what ifs"?  What if...she gets sicker?, ...I lose her too?  This is when I quickly realized the attack.  Often in the past I would have kept on going right along as the fears and worry consumed me.  Praise the Lord!  He is good!  This time I recognized it early and began to fight back.

This came instantly to mind.  When Jesus was tempted in the desert by Satan, the weapon He used against Satan schemes was the Word of God, the Bible.  Jesus replied to Satan three different times, "It is written..."  If Jesus used the Word against Satan then I would too.  I began telling myself some of the promises that He has given me through His Word.  Promises that have been meaningful to me lately.  

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

So do not fear, for I am with you.  Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5&6 

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust."  Psalm 91:1 

I am so thankful for God's Word.  I am thankful that through it He gives me everything I need.  I am thankful that the Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12).  I am thankful that the Word is true (Psalm 33:4).  I am thankful that the Word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path (Psalm 119:105).

Since I began this blog a few days ago, another one of my kids has gotten the stomach bug too, my dish washer has broken, I had to go into the ER to have an ultrasound for a possible blood clot in my leg (thankfully, it wasn't a clot).  Everyday is a battlefield.  Satan is working hard at destroying me and making me doubt my God, but He will not steal my joy or my worship of My Creator, My King!