Have you been going along well, your goals of a new attitude, a new way of seeing the world, of living life phenomenally…then, gradually, those old ways start creeping back?
One day, you’re smiling, relaxed, in a good place spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. The next day, you awake with a little tension in your shoulders. You ignore it and go about your day.
The third day, something you had made the decision to not allow to affect your peace, nips at your heels a little. You push it away. Sometime later, it’s back. You push it away again…yet the tension creeps up your neck.
That night, your sleep is restless. Those old thoughts, doubts, and fears sweep through your mind, fighting with your new way of thinking and weakening it.
The next day, your smile is not readily there or easily done. “Facts” flood your mind that validate those negative emotions. Now you start to put your guard up around your heart and you come out fighting to be the one who’s in control so that you don’t end up hurt.
Sound familiar?
Yes, that is what I have been dealing with over the last two months. Although I gave the above example happening over the course of a few days, the reality is much more insidious. For me, it’s something that has happened over the course of about two months. Just a little niggle each day so that the tension creeps up so gradually that, by the time I realized it, I had done some damage, and not just to myself.
The lesson I learned?
Do not ever let down my guard. It’s all a part of the spiritual battle we face on a daily basis. There are forces that do not want me to experience complete trust in my Lord God or to experience His peace. I know that, yet I became so comfortable in my newness, that I didn’t do enough to protect it by connecting with Him multiple times daily. For me, the Lord God is my strength, my provider, my defender, and my peace.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Period.
Stay strong, stay vigilant. Until next time, I wish you much love, peace, and blessings!