This Time It Wasn’t the Devil

Crouching at the door of my heart was anger, a shot of bitterness swallowed (Scripture reading: Genesis 4:6b, 7; Ephesians 4:27).  No one could readily know it because I was angry on the inside not visible to the countenance.  The enemy had waged war against my soul and spiritual warfare, the battle of how I would stand against the enemy was my test.  My anger waxed worst, strong enough that I, my spirit man had to wrestle with my fleshly yearnings—a preoccupation of self.  Darkly tucked away in the marshlike recesses of my heart were feelings of displeasure (Jeremiah 17:9).  The subtleness of the anger not perceived by the sense of touch, crept out in a slither.  Just like a boa constrictor lying in wait to wrap its body around its unsuspecting prey, to suffocate life, my anger had resurfaced.  Once again my carnal nature, not the devil, was longing to be in charge (Scripture: Romans 7:21). “In the name of Jesus Shut Up, calm down, it’s not about you, think about all who have lost much this year; jobs, homes, countless of lives were snuffed out, including innocent children, teenagers, friends, loved ones, get thee behind me flesh, SHUT UP negative thoughts!” (Scriptures: Psalm 91:13, 18:13,14; 1 Samuel 2:10, Proverbs 29:2, Luke 10:19). Right then and there, the portals of heaven opened and the power of Almighty God descended in a dash to my rescue.  And into the reservoir of fresh living water found safely hidden in the heart of my spirit man, I hurriedly like a soup ladle, lifted out the word of God. By faith I thrice repeated aloud, “rebuke, correct, instruct in righteousness 2 Timothy 3:16!; the Lord God rebuke you, ol’ flesh, you come under the feet of Jesus, in His name I plead the blood!”  The number three, representing the Holy Trinity seems to work victoriously on my behalf anytime there’s an internal battle.  One third of my triune being (spirit, soul and body) had taken control.  The spirit man now in charge and made in the image and likeness of Christ would prevail (Scripture reading: Genesis 1:26, 27; Ephesians 4:24, Colossians 3:10).   Soon recaptured was the authority automatically given to every believer who has surrendered his or her life to Christ Jesus, and has allowed Him to “be” the Lord of their life.  If it wasn’t for putting on the full armor of God earlier that morning, this episode would’ve lasted much longer (Scripture: Ephesians 6:11).

After the openingly, bold rebuke, the fire of the anger had dwindled. My flesh became silent, silent enough that I could now hear the sweet, gentle voice of the Holy Spirit.  He’d arisen in the authority of a fierce lion within my heart.  At the same time, He spoke with words that indescribably embraced me like a Shepherd reassuring his sheep (Scripture: Psalm 23).  The voice of the Lord made me feel like I was the only one present in the world—special, loved, unjudged.  He said, “My precious, dear daughter, you have been given so much and you’ve so much to give, why fret, why be angered?” (Scripture: Hebrews 12:6, Psalm 42:11).

I thought, “was that it?”  The power of the most significant words anyone could ever have spoken to me had ended.  At that moment realizing I was chastised, I didn’t want His Spirit to depart (Scripture reading: Hebrews 12:6-11).  However, I knew then that I had to make a conscious decision to either obey the word of God already indelibly written inside my heart, or sacrifice enduring the consequences of choosing to disobey (Scripture reading: James 4:17, 1 Samuel 15:22).  I didn’t hesitate long before I would choose to obey His instructions.  I thought about the depth of my relationship with Christ Jesus and His unfailing, unconditional, love for me.  All of the sacrifices that He made which bought me where I am today, the thought of trampling or disregarding His commands I couldn’t bear (Scripture: John 14:15).  I didn’t want to hang Him on that cross again (Scriptures: Acts 5:30, Galatians 3:13).  I knew that the preoccupation of my “self” had to die (Scripture reading: Galatians 2:20). My heart began to melt as tears streamed down my cheeks, salty, I licked them. Those tears the Holy Spirit said, is a reminder that I was the salt of the earth (Scripture: Matthew 5:13).

By the goodness of the Grace of God, I had forgotten all about the cause of my anger.  The clutches of the enemy had debacle.  No longer was I focusing on my troubles or entertaining negative thoughts (Scripture: Philippians 4:8).  Rather, as the hours, minutes, and seconds faded into the remainder of the day, I found myself serving and ministering to other people.  Afterall, I was too busy to think about myself.

Scripture Theme: Why are you anrgy…”If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is
right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” Genesis 4:6b, 7

~Yah©bahne

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