Guest Post by Judy Douglass
We have a powerful, sinister enemy who hates us and has a terrible plan for our lives. Because he is unseen, we tend to forget or ignore him. But we are warned and admonished in Scripture to be on the alert. We have seen that he is clever, looking for just the right moment, masquerading as good when, in fact, he is abominable.
How do you resist the devil? Here are some simple but practical ways you can stand up to the demonic bully.
PRAISE GOD
The evil one does not like hearing our God lifted up, glorified, praised. So we do just that, for Scripture tells us: “But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22:3) God’s glory and greatness are revealed as we praise Him. Praise Him in these simple ways daily or when you feel under attack:
Name His names, attributes, and qualities.
Read aloud from the Psalms that especially praise our Lord, such as Psalms 95-100.
Sing praise songs.
THANK GOD—IN ALL THINGS
Giving thanks in all things is probably the most life-changing way-of-life practice I have learned. When Satan confronts or attacks, giving thanks rescues me over and over. When I give thanks to God, especially in difficult, challenging, or painful situations, several things happen:
Almost immediately my perspective begins to change from negative to more positive.
I affirm to God that I trust Him to be who He is—God and good. I say it aloud so listening minions of the evil one hear that as well.
Often saying “Thank You, Lord” is like handing God a key to open a door to show me what He is doing.
WALK IN THE SPIRIT
This is the ultimate means of resisting the devil: Make sure that I am consistently living in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Think about it: The Spirit of God comes to live in us as we put our faith in Jesus and His sacrifice for us. He offers us so many realities: comfort, counsel, encouragement, wisdom, reminders, help, truth, peace, presence, and power. Whatever your need—every day and every moment, even as you are harassed by the evil one—is available to you as you let the Spirit fill you and guide you and empower you.
So when our enemy comes at our weakest moment, or approaches us with subtle variations of counterfeits, we can resist. God gives us praise, thanksgiving, armor, truth, and a Holy Spirit so we can stand firm and resist the devil.
Living With Eternal Intentionality®
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ
whom You have sent” (John 17:3).
In resisting the devil, which of these practices resonates the most with you?
Please share your best idea for standing strong in spiritual battle.
Meet Judy Douglass Judy loves Jesus, her family, Texas, Mexican food — and quite a few other things. She is an author, blogger, podcaster and fire-starter. Of herself she says, “I want to think beyond the obvious and ordinary. I want to believe that God wants to do more in me and through me than I can ask or imagine. I want to be filled with God’s passion and compassion for the lost, the hurting, the needy, the rebellious. I want my life to make a difference for others — now and for eternity.” Listen to Judy’s podcast When You Love a Prodigal Read her book When You Love a Prodigal Sign up for her blog Kindling
