Author: astherainandsnow

“As for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us… Be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, [and] so adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation.., training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” Titus 2:1-14

His pastoral letter to Titus was realistic and practical. Establishing church leadership was vital to a new body of believers. Amidst legalistic attitudes and immature behavior, Paul knew the inherent selfishness and worldly ambition of the human heart. Left to themselves, a body would not function spiritually or healthfully. Certain qualities needed to be sought, taught, and honed, rooted and aligned in Christ’s divine character.

Sound in love. Train to love. If love were innately pure and selfless, not dependent on or defined by emotion, no such reminders would be necessary. Wishing or determination cannot make good what is inherently putrid or awry. Through regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit, the Lord plants in us a new nature. He grants increasing understanding of Christ’s immense love, sheds that love abroad in our hearts, and fuels compulsion and energy to express it for Him and toward others. (Romans 5:5; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 3:17-19; Titus 3:3-9)

Where does our concept of love need correcting? How well do our parameters and impulses measure against God’s definition? What strongly-held rights or flesh preferences limit our ability to love freely according to Christ’s character, practicing genuine forgiveness, reverence, and kindness? Where do we need specific Spirit-renewal? (John 15:13; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Ephesians 4:32)

“Spirit of God, who dwells within my heart,
wean it from sin, through all its pulses move.
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as you are,
and make me love you as I ought to love.

Did you not bid us love you, God and King,
love you with all our heart and strength and mind?
I see the cross there teach my heart to cling.
O let me seek you and O let me find!

Teach me to love you as your angels love,
one holy passion filling all my frame:
the fullness of the heaven-descended Dove;
my heart an altar, and your love the flame.” ~George Croly (1854)

Amen.

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons…

“If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.  Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;  for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.  The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.  For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

“Command and teach these things.  Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.  Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.  Do not neglect the gift you have…  Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.  Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:1,6-14a,15-16

Devote. Put before you. Train. Follow. Toil. Strive. Command. Teach. Set an example. Exhort. Practice. Keep close watch. Persist. Could Paul have been more clear in his admonition to Timothy that he could never let up? Constant, vigilant, committed implementation of God’s commands was the only way to remain faithful, fruitful, and effectively fulfilling his call. He interwove warning with direction, fully preparing his son in the faith for the pressures of ministry and opposition.

Later times are upon us. Deceitful spirits and demonic teachings abound, coming at us through every kind of medium and impression. Evil influences press from all sides, working to distort truth, spoil devotion, and destroy faith. The constant barrage is ample reason for our vigilance in spiritual training and keeping that training on track to carry each day’s burdens and keep heading in the right direction. If we do not watch and are not ready, we will fall weak before the enemy.

It’s vital we understand the devil’s power to destroy. If we own a complacent, casual attitude toward him, or wrestle with habits that give him sway, pray for discernment and keen sensitivity to temptation. Study his wiles and be alert to situations that fool the mind, titillate emotions, and open doors to sin, and take caution to avoid and combat them. (Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Peter 5:8)

How are we putting into practice these verbs? How readily is God’s truth defining the track of our guidelines, nourishment, and impetus for action? If hearts are devoted, does our will match the desire? What are we daily doing to train in godliness, to apply the Scriptures in conversation, decision, and work? From whom do we attentively learn, and for whom are we an available example? (Colossians 3:16-17)

Lord, train me daily within Your truths in what I think, say, and do, so others learn that living for you is worth every effort.

“I was glad when they said to me,
‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’
Our feet have been standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem!

Jerusalem—built as a city
that is bound firmly together,
to which the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord,
as was decreed for^[a] Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
There thrones for judgment were set,
the thrones of the house of David.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
‘May they be secure who love you!
Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!’
For my brothers and companions’ sake
I will say, ‘Peace be within you!’
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your good.” Psalm 122:1-9

“To you I lift up my eyes,
O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
Behold, as the eyes of servants
look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maidservant
to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lord our God,
till he has mercy upon us.

Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us.” Psalm 123:1-3a

“Lift up your heads, O gates!
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle!
Lift up your heads, O gates!
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.” Psalm 24:7-9

The psalmist, eager to worship, knows the value of place. The yearning for communion with God prompts desire for a sanctuary of peace, where remembrance, thanksgiving, and fellowship flow. Worship itself instigates longing for God’s order, blessing, protection, and favor. His heavenly city. Going and gathering to the Lord is powerful. (Hebrews 11:10; 13:14; Revelation 21:2-7)

Wherever we’ve been planted, we’re called to meet with God and pray for the good of that city. Passing from pressing demands through gates of His access to supernatural splendor sets afresh our passion, which fuels pursuit. All for Christ’s sake, do we live and breathe?

What do we care for our city gates, for those who enter, perform industry, develop culture, share our space? All for Christ’s sake, how do we love His people and places? What measures do we implement to have godly effect? Seek His unity of purpose and perfect will? Seek His favor and how we can contribute to it? Put on and practice love for those we live beside, dwellers all in time and space and lost apart from God’s grace? Pray earnestly for those who lead, those with whom we disagree, and ourselves to think rightly and be full of grace? (Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:1-2; 13:1-3; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; Titus 2:7-8)

How might our communities be different- more hopeful, fruitful, peaceful- if we committed to standing at their gates as a guard and host of all that is good, all that exalts God’s glory? Whom and what will we usher toward the presence of the King?

Lord, keep me glad to attend to and enter through Your gates, welcoming others to Your presence and You to reign.

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her,
    and bring her into the wilderness,
    and speak tenderly to her.
And there I will give her her vineyards
    and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope…

“And in that day, declares the Lord, you will call me ‘My Husband…’ I will make you lie down in safety.  And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord.

“And in that day I will answer, declares the Lord,
    I will answer the heavens,
    and they shall answer the earth,
and the earth shall answer the grain, the wine, and the oil,
    and they shall answer Jezreel,
    and I will sow her for myself in the land.
And I will have mercy on No Mercy,
    and I will say to Not My People, ‘You are my people’;
    and he shall say, ‘You are my God.’” Hosea 2:14-16a,18b-23

“Thus says the Lord, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’” 1 Kings 20:28

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

“Every valley shall be lifted up,
    and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
    and the rough places a plain.” Isaiah 40:4

Valley of Achor [trouble]. Valley of battle. Valley of the shadow of death, and of rough places. The Redeemer came to walk these vales for and with His people. He came to bring hope and help and comfort there, to impart victory, to raise them up. The valley of every cross becomes, in the Lord’s marvelous economy and architecture, a valley to be relished and embraced because of Calvary.

This world is marked with many a valley, some deep, some long, some rocky and dangerous. The days of our lives amble, rise, and dip according to valleys appointed for us. We walk, we plod, we stumble or strain or climb, often weary, burdened with care and downcast by limited in vision. Difficult travel and relentless demands prevent us from realizing that the valley is finite and we have a heavenly Companion beside. He knows the way, with every pitfall. He sees the light behind the shadows. He carries the rod to correct and protect and staff to rescue, and the place where the valley ends. (Job 23:8-10)

What if we considered that personal present life valleys were vales of His cross? That where He calls us to walk are journeys of knowing His suffering and resurrection? Of His indescribable love and power? How might we take up hope and be inspired by joy if we shared our valleys with our Savior and Redeemer? (Matthew 16:24; Philippians 3:10)

Lord, keep we willing and grateful to walk life’s vales with Thee. Teach me that the dark wilderness way is Your place of victory, light, and glory.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved;
    he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;
    the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all evil;
    he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep
    your going out and your coming in
    from this time forth and forevermore.” Psalm 121:1-8

The psalmist knows his need, and is resolved and certain where alone he can find help. He has looked to and fro, right and left, even within, and knows his only help is in looking up. Though his way is riddled with evil pelts and pulls and dreary darkness, he knows where to find relief and light and security night and day. His song is one repeated with confident assurance and for those who are unsure and shaken.

Helpless creatures need a protector, a guard, a guide, a savior. This is easily seen through redeemed eyes, but impossible with sin-stained lenses. Man’s natural problem with idols and pride and skewed spiritual vision trip him into thinking he’s self-sufficient, able to manage, strong to conquer, adequate to withstand the evil one (or not needing to at all). (Ezekiel 28:2-8; 2 Timothy 3:2-5)

The key to understanding our only and perfect help is in the Lord is that we first acknowledge our helplessness. Only when we realize we are lost, weak, pitiful, and spiritually poor will we know we must look away from self for remedy. An honest look within and without does much to rectify our vision. Humble confession of our brokenness before holy God opens us to the possibilities of His free and lavish help. (Psalm 8:3-6; 14:1-3; Romans 5:6-12; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 2:1-9; Colossians 1:13-14; Revelation 3:17)

Once contrite and surrendered to the Almighty’s truth about us and Him, we look out of ourselves and away from our worldly props and aids to see His greatness and whole ability to save, help, and keep. We release the reins of self-trust and the cultural mantras that falsely claim our strength is within. We acknowledge our helplessness to heal ourselves, and the absolute ability of the One who has graciously revealed Himself to us. We begin to lose our taste for all crutches of the world and hunger for His power, character, and Spirit’s shelter and enabling.

Where are we in this process? In what and whom do we daily look to manage our plans, mark out our path, keep us and loved ones safe through besetting troubles? How have worldly remedies and ungrounded advice turned us awry, or failed altogether, and what have we done to change our habits? Whom do we trust to encourage us in heavenly pursuit and growing trust in the Lord?

Memorizing this psalm will fix true truths within and steady darting eyes and allegiances. Singing songs of real deliverance, reminding ourselves of who our great God is and all He does for our sake, keep hope near and confidence firm. Would we now lift our eyes?

Father, tilt my heart and eyes and trust upward, away from worldly promise and fixed on You.

“Make me understand the way of your precepts,
    and I will meditate on your wondrous works…
    strengthen me according to your word!
Put false ways far from me
    and graciously teach me your law!
I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
    I set your rules before me.
I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
    let me not be put to shame!
I will run in the way of your commandments
    when you enlarge my heart!

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
    and I will keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
    and observe it with my whole heart.
Lead me in the path of your commandments,
    for I delight in it.
Incline my heart to your testimonies,
    and not to selfish gain!
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
    and give me life in your ways.
Confirm to your servant your promise,
    that you may be feared…

I will keep your law continually,
    forever and ever,
and I shall walk in a wide place,
    for I have sought your precepts.
I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
    and shall not be put to shame,
for I find my delight in your commandments,
    which I love.
I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
    and I will meditate on your statutes.” Psalm 119:27,28b-37,44-48

The psalmist knew the intermingling of Word and heart. The more of God’s word he ingested, cherished, and applied, the stronger and broader his heart grew. The love and exercise of God’s commands pumped righteous blood through his thoughts, impulses, and actions to hearty expression.

Inclining ourselves to the truth and powerful nature of God’s word sets our hearts free from all that’s deleterious and distracting. His law cleanses and sets straight. It reorders affections and imparts new life. It sets free from constricting sin and opens broad places of holy desire, obedience, joy, and peace. It replaces sorrow and the angst of affliction with palpable comfort and a song of hope. (Psalm 119:11,50,54-56,70,93,96,129-130,133)

How deeply do I desire God’s word as daily food and light? What time have I set aside for knowing it better? The focused moments I spend reading, studying, and praying through it indicates the measure of my devotion and dependency. Am I more wont to grab snippets of people’s interpretations and personal insights than seeking the Lord directly through the Bible? Do I limit His influence to certain days or decisions, or open wide my life to all-encompassing influence? How dependent am I on the Holy Spirit to interpret and apply spiritual truths? How far-reaching are its supernatural effects in my emotions, insights, choices, plans? (Job 23:12; Jeremiah 15:16; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16)

A heart crowded by a harem of worldly loves will never know the fullness of God. A heart restricted by selfish passions will never delight in full surrender. But the heart open to God’s truth and all He has in store will be large and full and free indeed. (John 8:32,36; 1 Corinthians 2:9)

Lord, enlarge my heart with all You are and teach so You have full sway with me. May Your word coursing through my veins result in bright display of righteousness, that Your glory be magnified. (Psalm 119:66,68)

“Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, ‘Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.^’ And Elisha said to her, ‘What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?’ And she said, ‘Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.’ Then he said, ‘Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.^’ So she went from him and shut the door behind herself and her sons. And as she poured they brought the vessels to her. When the vessels were full, she said to her son, ‘Bring me another vessel.’ And he said to her, ‘There is not another.’ Then the oil stopped flowing. She came and told the man of God, and he said, ‘Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.’” 2 Kings 4:1-7

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 3:20-21

The widow’s situation was grave, a pivotal nadir between a hard life and impending death. The neighbors’ pots seem insignificant- nondescript, unused, borrowed. Between the two and bringing them together is a man of God who is willing to trust for big and small, to the unveiling of God’s magnanimous power and intimate, personal care. Faith brought enough oil to sustain a hope-filled future.

God’s ability meets our insufficiency in unexpected and beautiful ways all through our days. His greatness meets our minutiae, His permanent meets our transient, His everlasting our momentary. We have needs small and great, some with minimal potential effect, others life-altering. Certain issues weigh heavy, others nag and irritate. Some fears shout and manhandle, others whisper and pester. The Lord knows them all, and is ready to meet with particular supply and balm as we bring them to Him. (Matthew 6:8; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

What circumstances currently poke, or are threatening to choke? Where have small decisions turned into big problems that need an even bigger fix? What is a current financial, relational, or health impossible that desperately needs God’s possible? Will we seek out the One who knows every detail, confidently offer our finite faith, and bring our jars for Him to fill? Then will we thank and praise Him for working to His glorious ends?

“This is my Father’s world:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!” ~Maltbie D. Babcock (1901)

Lord, may I keep taking You my every concern, and expectantly, joyfully trust Your best and bounty with them all so You are magnified.

“Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.  To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things,  so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places… 

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,  from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,  that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,  and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:7-10,14-21

Paul understood his calling and knew the Spirit of God at work on and in him to fulfill that calling. Because of the ready access Christ had opened to the Father, and the boldness He’d given, Paul took every advantage to bow before Him in full submission and dependence. He would not trust his own vision, strength, or strategies, but knew where to go for wisdom and power. He also knew it would be God’s doing to increase the Philippine church’s understanding of and love for Him. To bring the gospel to widening light he needed to bend his knees. Every prayer began and was woven and ended with fervent passion for God’s glory, from and for which all things existed. (Isaiah 49:3; Hebrews 4:16)

For any endeavor, it’s vital to seek the Lord for both our work and its divine results. Having been saved with a heavenly purpose, it is to heaven we must appeal for ability and effectiveness in fulfilling it. The God who calls is the One who enables according to His immense, immeasurable grace. He it is who clarifies mission, fortifies the spirit, and sets straight the feet. (Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

He goes before us to prepare the soil for fruitful ministry. He alone changes and broadens the hearts of hearers, turning stone to flesh. He stokes the fires of love for Christ and sanctifies spiritual understanding. He answers and supplies according to His limitless sufficiency. (Ezekiel 36:26)

When do we pause to dedicate ourselves and those to whom we minister to God’s intentions? How deliberately and specifically do I pray that God will mightily, spiritually work for those in my care? How expectantly do I look for His generous, glorious answers?

Lord, keep me humbly seeking You for myself and those You’ve entrusted to me, that Your will be done and Your name exalted.

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed… it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:3-10

“Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

When Paul heard of the Colossians’ faith, he immediately turned to God with thanksgiving and expectancy. His heart was grateful for the encouragement of knowing that what he’d taught had taken hold and lit a fire of zealous obedience and service in the church. When they’d heard the gospel, they believed and were compelled to act, and so he beseeched the Lord that this vibrant faith would grow more and more, expressing itself in increasing knowledge, faithfulness, and spiritual fruitfulness.

Faith in Christ Jesus gives us new life lenses and motivations. Understanding God’s grace compels generous forgiveness for wrongs done to us. Knowing we’re adopted as His children engenders deep security, and love for our spiritual brothers and sisters. Gripped by His call to follow and serve inspires wholehearted devotion, excellence in work, and zealous ministry. Grasping His eternal plans opens the future with hope and excitement, honing broad and long perspective in pressing present circumstances. In all these ways we should be growing as we put expanding knowledge of His word into practice. (Matthew 4:19; Romans 8:14-17; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Galatians 6:9; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:23)

How has the glorious gospel made its way into our impulses, daily outlook, and industry? Is our faith manifest so others can see it, are encouraged by it, and thank God for its expression? Are we increasing in patience, compassion, fortitude, kindness, self-control? (Galatians 5:22-23)

What are we doing to gain more knowledge of God’s truths and insight into His manner among men? What then do we do with that knowledge to affect the way we make decisions, speak, and treat others? Are we measurably more prayerful, more honorable, more gracious?

“Speak, O Lord, as we come to You
To receive the food of your holy word.
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us;
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness,
That the light of Christ might be seen today
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith.
Speak, O Lord, and fulfil in us
All Your purposes, for Your glory.” ~Stuart Townend (2006)

Amen.

“Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials, because an excellent spirit was in him. The king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.  Then the officials sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error was found in him. Then these men said, ‘We shall not find any complaint against Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God…’

“‘All the officials… are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an injunction, that whoever makes petition to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king,.. sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law..,which cannot be revoked.’ Therefore King Darius signed the document and injunction.

“When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and plea before his God.” Daniel 6:3-5,7-11

“Be not silent, O God of my praise!
For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me,
    speaking against me with lying tongues.
They encircle me with words of hate,
    and attack me without cause.
They accuse me,
    but I give myself to prayer…
He stands at the right hand of the needy one,
    to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.” Psalm 109:1-4,31

Attack from hateful enemies causes many reactions: immediate defense, retaliation, thirst for vengeance, paralyzing fear. For the child of God, whose identity and heart are bound up with Christ, the antidote is simpler and far more effective: prayer.

Prayer takes our eyes off hateful threats and fixes them on Almighty God who reigns above. Thanksgiving lifts anxious concerns for the unknown and reminds us what is known and true. Focused communion with God encompasses us in His strong arms and nestles us beneath His protective wings. Earnest petition transfers our heaviest cares to the Lord’s able shoulders. O fretting soul, where is our upper chamber? (Psalm 91:4; Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:6)

Understand the threat. To the house. Windows open to God’s holy presence. Kneel. Three times a day. Give thanks. Customary habit. How rich is a life hid with Christ in God! (Colossians 3:3)

What pressures do we face? What fears loom due to threats from within and without? How are we handling them? Do we default to hand-wringing, or hands opened and lifted in praise? Do we take a posture of combative defense, or humbly bow in desperate dependence? Do we spew vitriol and venom, or recite thanksgiving for all God is doing and how He’ll be glorified? How ingrained is a habit of prayer? Would we ask the Lord to deepen it by turning thought immediately and often to Him? A practice of continual prayer guards our path and reflects the glory of God’s grace in our lives.

Lord, in every battle and encumbrance, pull my mind and desire to You. Keep me thankful and trustful so You are seen and praised. (Daniel 6:25-27)