Keep the Enemy Out

 

Imagine starting fresh after a terrible breakup and one of the worse mistakes of your life. You’re determined to leave the past behind and have just moved into new digs. Everything in the apartment is new and fresh. You’ve got new paint, new furniture, and a totally new vibe your new brave self. You’re loving it, and you are so excited to make this new place your own, but now there’s a problem. Rumor has it that there’s some nonsense going on in the neighborhood. People say there’s a guy who’s trying to sneak in at night, breaking into places and stealing what he can. Your first thought is, “One step forward, two steps backward”, but then you think, “Nope, not this time. I’m not letting anything deter my new groove.” So, you keep all the windows locked, get a good security system, and you get the best deadbolt you can find for the door. You’ve worked hard to create this peaceful space, and you’re not about to let anyone mess with it.

Now, think of your heart, your mind, and your life as that new apartment. God has given you a life full of promise, peace, and potential. But there’s an enemy lurking—trying to break in. It’s the devil, and he wants to steal your joy, and destroy your peace. But here’s what we need to remember, there’s nothing about satan that surprises our Lord and Savior. He knows all about the enemy. In John 8:44 (NLT), Jesus said, “For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

The attitude of doing everything we can to maintain our faith and remain fully locked in with God’s armor is most definitely the right one. Our Heavenly Father didn’t leave us defenseless. He’s empowered us through the indwelling Holy Spirit, and He has warned us about satan, His spiritual enemy, who wants to sneak into our lives and cause havoc. In John 10:10 (NKJV), Jesus Christ said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” This truth contrasts the abundance our Lord and Savior came to the earth to make available with the death, darkness, and destruction that the devil wants to cause.

Usually, it’s not a loud knock or an obvious tactic that the enemy uses, because he’s slick and extremely deceptive. There are no red flags that point out his attacks; he’s a sneaky one, trying to deceive us through doubts, fears, distractions, and lies. Trying to rob your peace and rob you of the life God wants for you is his game. But Jesus offers something infinitely better. He’s the door, the protector of your soul, and he came to give you more than just survival. He came to give you life to the fullest, no matter what the enemy tries to throw your way.

All of us know that life isn’t always smooth sailing. In fact, it’s filled with ups and downs—highs and lows, but Jesus promised in John 16:33 (NLT): “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” We should never underestimate the level of faith we need to have in this promise. We need to remember that Jesus Christ has defeated the devil, and your job is to seal of the cracks of doubt and fear. We must keep the door locked, the windows shut, and refuse to let the enemy have any access to our peace.

Guarding Your Heart

One of the most important things we can do to keep the enemy out is to guard our hearts. This is our first line of defense. Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Your heart is the battleground where the enemy tries to plant seeds of fear, bitterness, or resentment. They can affect your thoughts, actions, and ultimately, your relationship with God if they take root.

How do you guard your heart? First, snap to awareness about what you're letting in your heart and mind, and don’t let your guard down. Just like you wouldn’t let a stranger into your house without thinking twice, you shouldn’t let negative thoughts or toxic influences have access to your mind and heart. Philippians 4:8 (NLT) tells us, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” So, shift your focus, and meditate on the goodness of God’s truth when the enemy tries to sneak in through your thoughts.

The Power of Prayer

Another powerful way to keep the enemy out is through prayer. Prayer is like your spiritual security system. It’s a privilege that God has given us, and it lets you communicate directly with Him. Your faith in our Heavenly Father guarantees His protection over your life. In Matthew 6:13 (NLT), our Master Jesus taught us to pray, “And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.” When you pray, do so in the authority and power that Jesus Christ has given you. Invite God's protection and trust Him with your whole heart. Do this, and you will shut the door to the enemy's schemes.

Stand Firm
Finally, you need to stand firm in faith. The enemy is going to try to knock at your door, but you have the power to resist him. James 4:7 (NLT) says, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Resistance isn’t always easy. It’s a daily choice to reject fear, doubt, and temptation. But as you grow in your trust in God, you’ll become more confident in your ability to resist. The enemy may try to steal your peace, but he cannot take it unless you allow him to.

Romans 8:37 tells us that we are more than conquerors in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. When you stand firm in your faith and identity in him, the enemy has no choice but to flee. You remind yourself that you’re protected by the One who has already defeated him. And as you resist, no matter what trials you face, remember that Jesus has overcome the world, as John 16:33 declares. He’s got you covered, and with him, you’re more than equipped to keep the enemy out.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 

“Keep the Enemy Out”, written by Kim for https://rescuefromdomesticviolence.blogspot.com© 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.