Soldier On, Friends
There is a constant battle waging for our souls, and I for one sometimes grow weary of fighting it.
There are days I battle discouragement, pessimism, lies, apathy. It would be the easiest thing to let them sideline me.
I know there’s truth that cuts down all those negative emotions, but it takes energy to fight my way back to it. It takes time, and intentionality, and faith.
It’s a tiring battle. Every day we have to take up our cross and follow.
We have to start again, knowing that there will be arrows of accusation and condemnation from the enemy. There will be lies we’re tempted to believe about ourselves and others. Every day we have to fight our way back to the truth. We have to remember who we are and whose we are.
And friends, it’s tough.
The Battle Is Tough
It’s easier to lay down our weapons and surrender.
We wallow in complaining and negativity rather than take up gratitude, especially when it’s hard to find the gold.
Holing up with Netflix and ice cream hoping the battle will cease is the path of least resistance. Easier than the hard work of dragging those lies into the light.
Staying in isolation is easier than inviting others to speak truth into our darkness.
I’m reminded of one of my favorite books, Hind’s Feet on High Places. In it, the protagonist, Much Afraid, is called to the High Places by the Good Shepherd. What she hoped would be a joyous journey with Him is marred by her relatives with names like Resentment, Bitterness, and Pride, who constantly call to her along the way. They cause her to doubt and fear and wonder if she hasn’t chosen the wrong path.
She learns to cover her ears and turn away from their voices. She holds doggedly to the promises the Good Shepherd has made to her, however much they might not feel true at the moment.
So do we.
Keep Fighting the Battle
I want to tattoo all His promises across my arms so they sink into my soul and take up permanent residence there.
If only I were not such a leaky vessel when it comes to the truth about Him and me.
Would that I never find myself in those places where I realize I have listened to the wrong voices and strayed away from that solid ground in Him.
I wish fighting was not part of the Christian life, but it is. We are meant to fight hard against the enemy, and we are meant to be victorious.
Are you fighting the good fight? [ictt-tweet-inline]Fighting is hard and tiring but it’s worth it.[/ictt-tweet-inline]
There is truth to be claimed.
Joy that is ours for the taking.
Peace offered to us.
Solid ground on which to rest.
There is victory to be had.
Yes, there is much that will threaten to knock us off that rock of truth, but there is One who wants to hold us there. He is greater than our enemy. He gives us what we need for the battle.
So soldier on, friends.
Take every thought captive. Fight hard for what is yours. Cling to the truth that combats the lies you’re tempted to believe. Lift your eyes to the hills. Listen to your commander’s voice. Press on to take hold of that for which He took hold of you.
We don’t get to claim truth once and stay there. We fight to keep claiming the ground that’s ours. The more we do, the more we win.
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