The Demon of Lethargy

THE DEMON OF LETHARGY

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been feeling the demon of lethargy wielding his pervasive influence on me far too often lately.  During this pandemic when we’ve been stuck inside our homes, away from friends and family and Christian fellowship, the enemy finds ways to creep in and steal our joy and strength.

 The picture above shows a bronze dragon slinking down a bronze tree limb in the Conservatory at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania.  The slinky curve of its scaly body and the sly expression on its face is how I imagine the demon of lethargy might look.  In fact, the Bible refers to Satan as a dragon numerous times in the book of Revelation (20:2).

 The definition of lethargy is, the state of being drowsy and dull; apathetic or sluggish inactivity.  How often during the past nine months of pandemic can we say these words describe our state of being?

  It’s time to rise up in the power of our Lord and fling that old dragon out the window and into the ditch where he belongs.  By the power of the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer, we pray that You, O Lord, will “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,” Psalm 51:12; and help us to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might…that I might be able to stand against the wiles of the devil,” Ephesians 6:10-11.

 The greatest tool in this battle against the enemy and sin is to keep our eyes focused on Jesus.  Keeping our eyes on Jesus requires staying close to Him.  As soon as we drift away from Jesus, we become easier prey for the world, the flesh, self, the dark side.  There is a magnetic pull of the world exerted on us daily.  In our own strength, it’s far easier to stray than it is to stay.  But, don't forget, we have an "all-surpassing power" living within us as children of God that offers us supernatural strength to stay the course.

 My daughter Sara said she prayed and asked God how she should be living in these challenging days in which we live.  She said He answered her with the words of a hymn, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus.  Look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

 Jesus said, “Abide in Me, and I in you…As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you: abide in My love…These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you and that your joy may be full,” John 15.  

 As we leave this year that began with so much promise (2020 sounded like a winning number), we look ahead to the new year of 2021 and wonder what lies within its boundaries.  Since we can’t see into the future beyond the end of our nose, we must trust the Creator who knows the end from the beginning and everything in between.  I’m thankful for the wonderful promise our Father gave us in Jeremiah 29:11NIV: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.  Plans to give you hope and a future.”

That’s a promise that makes me smile - 😍

   

 

Joy

 JOY

The word Joy makes me smile -- and so it should as reflected in its definition.  As a noun, Joy means "a feeling of great pleasure and happiness," and as a verb, Joy means "rejoice."  This picture of "Joy to the world" hangs on the wall of my den.  I like to surround myself with the word as a reminder of all we have to be thankful for and rejoice about.

At Christmas, we sing "Joy to the World, the Lord has come, let earth receive her king..."  There was much joy surrounding the shepherds on that first Christmas day.  I think the angels were so excited about the long-awaited birth of Jesus, they could hardly contain themselves.  When the Father gave the okay for the angels to make the announcement of His Son's entry into the world of man, a multitude of the heavenly hosts burst forth from heaven with lights and singing such as the world had never before heard.  "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"  The sight and sound of it would have been amazing!

We sure could use a hefty dose of Joy during these crazy times we're living in.  The wonderful thing is that God still offers joy to anyone who invites His Son Jesus into their lives.  "In Your presence is fullness of joy..." is an assurance written by David in Psalm 16:11.  David lived in uncertain times, just as we do, yet David was able to rejoice in the God who became love in human flesh.

When Jesus walked on the earth and taught His followers, He said, "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full" John 15:11.

Joy is not just something we sing about and look for at Christmas.  Joy is what Jesus offers His followers in abundance -- in fullness.  To be full of something good is to be satisfied and at peace with the world around you.  Let's accept the gift of Joy offered to us by our loving Father.  Let's hold it in our hands and our hearts as the priceless treasure that was paid for by Baby Jesus - who became our Savior.  

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit," Romans 15:13.

Perspective

 PERSPECTIVE

Henry David's interesting quote is all about how we look at things in life.  Do you see the glass half-full or half-empty.  Our perspective on our circumstances, the tone of our lives, and the people and world around us makes a huge difference on our quality of life and even our effectiveness for God.  I like the words of Paul in the book of Romans, when he wrote, "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit," 15:13.  Sounds like that glass is full to the brim!

I usually use my own photography in this blog, but I wanted to share some great quotes that are worthy of pondering and they came with some nice photos.  Those who know me well, know that I love intriguing pathways.  The first three photos are from the calendar I've been using this year, called Pathways by Dayspring.  I love these pictures and the truth written on them.

A reminder from that great man of God, George Muller, about the importance of spending 

much time in God's Holy Word -- His amazing love letter to His children.

Don't you just love this bamboo forest!!

I looked at this amazing picture through the month of November and wondered where 

this pathway is located.  I want to go there and walk that beautiful stone staircase!!

As for the quote -- I love it too!  Sola gratia - by grace alone.

We all know Dwight Moody was a wise man of the Lord.  These words are sobering and

remind me of the verses in Matthew:  "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where

moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves 

treasures in heaven...for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also," 6:19-21

The scene looks like it might be in the Colorado mountains - so beautiful!

This is the front of a greeting card by Christian author, Max Lucado.  The inside

reads:  "Every year is another chapter God fills with the plans He has written just 

for you."  And the verse in Psalms:  "And in Your book they all were written, 

the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them," 139:16.

God created each of us for a special purpose - a purpose filled with love.

"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous 

are Your works, and that my soul knows very well," Psalm 139:14

Amen!!