These past two days, I feel like I have been under spiritual attack. Nothing in life is really going wrong, and maybe that is why I experienced this attack these past couple days. I had a good day at work yesterday; but when I came home yesterday, my entire being was drained. So I listened to my body and did not do anything last night but rest & watch some television.
Now as my sister will easily testify to this, if I’m watching TV, it is a good probability I am either watching The History Channel or Comedy Central. Last night, I did both. The attack came out of nowhere and for the first time I recognized the attack instantly. I was watching a show on CC and it was hilarious! Hilarious, but totally false. Yet I could not help but be affected by the message it was telling my mind. My heart knew it not to be true; but my mind was buying into the lies.
I really did not feel like I had to do much to combat this attack; but this morning when I got up, the lies were still swimming around my head. I went to be with the church this morning; and I could feel the attack strengthen. The spirit of distraction made worship a chore and the “experience” of worship was void of feeling.
Yet my heart refused to surrender and I am glad to say it kept fighting. I could feel its raw energy growing as it told the mind what I had decided to do. I was going to ask for prayer after the service. My mind still was weak and seemed to be voicing discouragement that had to be from the enemy. “It would be too much of an inconvenience. You are up against the wall in your row of seats. You will have to step on everyone’s feet to get past them. You are a leader. You are not supposed to get prayer at the weekend services. If anything, you are supposed to pray for others. You are being selfish.” All these thoughts were filling my head as soon as my heart determined to seek out prayer.
There are times to flee from conflict; and then there are times to stay & fight, for the battle needs to be fought & won. My heart knew this was a time to stay & fight. I could feel my heart grow roots and solidify it’s position. When that happened, the fog in my mind dissipated; and in the clarity these words came forth: “A spoon full of sugar may help the medicine go down; but a spoon full of sugar may also help the poison go down. Be careful what you allow to enter in you.” Proverbs 4 has never been wiser, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.” Seek out the truth, my friends; and speak truth into each other’s life. And when you encounter the lies that come to steal, kill, & destroy; let your weapons be truth & love.
Reflections & Ramblings that I pick up along this journey through life. www.drneilclayton.com
3 comments:
I often get that same feeling when trying to approach the altar at my church. Strangly enough it is very difficult for me to overcome. So I commend you on not giving up and steping forward (and on people's feet)
Thanks, CRICKET, for your humorous encouragement
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified: do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
I think we all see and hear things everyday through various outlets be it TV, radio, movies, etc., and from people that can plant those thoughts that squirm around. But reading your experience I also feel that because of your place in your journey you are further along than others who would have possibly entertained these thoughts further and possibly gone somewhere with it. Because of your strong faith you were able to feel and see this through the Spirit with clarity and know in your heart you needed to seek His strength right away. That is to be commended. Especially in that day we live in where we are too often desensitized by everything around us. I believe you showed strength and purity of heart and character by how you dealt with this. May the Lord bless you abundantly His faithful son!
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