08/23/2022
Are we oblivious to the spiritual dangers that surround us each day? Are we like a tiny fly that at any moment might be ensnared by an unseen web and consumed by its stealthy owner? As the children of God we are protected from many dangers, but that doesn’t mean that they are not there, nor that Satan has ceased to roar as he prowls about the world; no, he still desires to devour our souls. The questions becomes these…Are we vigilant, and watchful? Do we lean into the Lord our God for His protection and deliverance, and is His Word our strength?
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
1 Peter 5:8 ESV
I love early mornings and a recent one that I experienced in the Netherlands was no exception. I was sitting on the fantail of a long river boat as Ann and I cruised down a beautiful canal on the final leg of a European adventure. Today we will dock in Amsterdam and after a canal tour of the city, and a trip into the countryside to see some windmills we will get a taste of Dutch culture… the cheese, and the wooden shoes, to name a couple, then sadly our trip will be over.
The sun will rise shortly, but for now we are pulling a splendid half-moon behind us as if it were tethered to the stern of our boat like a brilliant kite. The dawn is awe inspiring, and the cows that are laying in the misty fields are not yet on their feet. As an outsider watching this scene unfold it seems like being Dutch must be an ideal life, but even here, in this calm and peaceful place, our souls face temptation and danger… so despite the tranquility we must be wary and firm in our faith.
“Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.”
Proverbs 22:5 ESV
I take a sip of coffee, and wonder what today would bring, and what the Lord might reveal to me as He leads Ann and me through these ancient Dutch streets, and waterways. No matter where we have travelled He has always whispered something wonderful in my ear, or brushed up against me in an amazing way. Then, from the protruding roof above me, a large spider slid down on a slender thread of web that I trust is there but which is invisible to me; this captured my imagination. How often have I walked blindly through the many webs that have been stretched across my own life, not seeing them, but being guided to safety by the hidden hand of God? Am I like a hapless insect as I walk through the lair of Satan, the great predator of souls? No, because I am being turned right and left, protected by my God, and my faith in Jesus Christ. I know that They will always comfort and keep me. This is unseen the danger that we all suffer each day, but are quietly rescued from by our belief in God, faith in Christ, and obedience to God’s will.
“Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 5:9-11 ESV
So do we know the truth about the constant danger our souls face each day, and all that is conspiring to consume us? Are we giving God the glory for his protection, and Jesus the praise for our salvation? Is our faith shielding us, and our belief redeeming us? Or, do we hear Jesus speaking to us as He once did Peter…
“But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.””
Matthew 16:23 ESV
Today let’s open our eyes to the spiritual dangers about us, trust in the Lord, and lean on Him as we pray for a safe journey home.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your constant protection as we travel the straight and narrow way you have prepared for us. Thank you for your Son Jesus who walks with us towards righteousness, and eternity with you. Help us Father to remain firm in our resistance to sin, and to hold tight to the hand of Christ in the face of Satan, and our unseen fears. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who was, and is, and is to come. Hear our prayers, and guide our steps as we pick up our crosses, and follow Jesus into your presence. Praised be your name for loving us, and teaching us to love and obey you in kind. Merciful are you who washes us in the blood of Jesus, and cleanses us of all sin. You are full of grace, and your forgiveness abounds as we turn towards you in search of eternal peace in your presence. You guide our steps in this life Father, and we pray that your hand will not lift from us as we walk with you in heavenly places. You are our God, and the object of all worship, praise, and glory.
Rich Forbes