Stir Yourself Up!
Lately, I have noticed that I have been feeling down. I have been feeling tired and worn out. Life has a way of doing that to us, doesn’t it? It doesn’t happen overnight; it’s one thing after the next that sloooowly drains our spirit. The next thing we know, we have allowed the enemy to steal our joy!
Considering all the different things we deal with on a daily basis, it’s no wonder we find ourselves feeling mentally, emotionally, and spiritually depleted at times. However, since life is always going to be life – unpredictable and full of ups and downs – we have to be intentional about keeping our joy in the midst of what it brings.
We must be alert and on our guard against the enemy stealing our joy: that’s our strength (Nehemiah 8:10)! As we perceive it taking place, we must counteract it by moving differently. For example, I have noticed that I’ve been complaining a lot lately, which made me realize I need to start praying more.
We have the power to shift our atmosphere. I often draw on Psalm 42:11 (KJV): “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” This scripture reminds me to stop and evaluate what is causing me to feel down. It also reminds me that when I do feel down, I must not allow myself to stay there. I must stir myself up in the Lord.
As believers, we have to remember that — although it seems like we’re in a losing battle sometimes — we already have the victory. We are victorious through Jesus Christ. We are in a fixed fight. It doesn’t matter how many punches we take or how bad our bruises look, it has been predestined for us to win!
When we get tired, we tend to let the devil get away with stuff instead of shutting him down. You know how kids wear you out sometimes, and you find yourself just sitting there watching them tear through the house because you’re too tired to stop them? I think we get so tired of fighting that we get like that with the devil, as well.
We’ve given the devil enough passes, though. He’s not going to get tired, sit down, and give us a break. The bible says satan goes “to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it” (Job 1:7 KJV). So the bible warns us to “be sober, be vigilant; because [our] adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). That’s all he does — all day and all night. He’s always busy. He’s not going to get tired and cut us a break, so we have to get our fight back, take authority, and put him back in his place: UNDER OUR FEET!
I want to encourage anyone that may be feeling tired and frustrated. Stir yourself up in the Lord! How? Remember who God is. Remember what He has done for you. Remember that you are victorious through Him. Remember that He is a promise keeper. Take time to pray, sit in His presence and send up a praise. Shift your atmosphere and shake off that heavy, downtrodden spirit!
With love,
Danielle