Thursday, December 31, 2020

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 - 😍

   


 

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