Victory over Evil

"The Lord warned Israel and Judah through all His prophets and seers: Turn from your evil ways. Observe my commands and decrees, in accordance with the entire Law that I commanded your fathers to obey and that I delivered to you through my servants the prophets." - 2 Kings 17:13 NIV

As much as I'd like to think otherwise, evil abounds in this world. I strive to look for the good in everyone and in all things, but, like it or not, Satan is hard at work every day. Temptations surround me. The TV, Internet and newspapers bring bad news everyday. Satan sows the seeds of destruction all around. Peter tells me to be alert against Satan and his tricks: "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8 NIV).

I have two choices I can make toward Satan and the havoc he wreaks: despair and doubt or peace and hope. When temptation rears its ugly head, I can choose to give in to it or give it to God to handle. When bad news comes my way, I can choose to despair over it and wonder why it happened or I can pray and ask God to use it to bring honor and glory to Him. To truly get victory over Satan and evil, I desire to choose peace, hope, giving it to God and prayer. God can protect me and help me guard my heart against temptation and evil. By wrapping myself in His Word and in prayer, I can keep Satan out of my thoughts and my actions.

God will be my protector, my guardian, if I choose to allow Him to be. "For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer (protector) of your souls." (1 Peter 2:25 NIV). When I turn to Him in prayer and meditate in His Word, it's amazing the peace that envelops me. I know, no matter what evil comes my way, God is in control and will watch over me. In Psalm 28:20 NIV, David asks God to "Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in You." If trusting God was good enough for David, believe me, it's more than good enough for me!!!

Do I want a peaceful life? Do I want victory over evil? Then, as Peter warns, I must be alert to Satan and his doings and I must turn from my evil ways. And the only way for me to do so is with God's help. I am a weak, fearful, despairing woman without God but, with Him, I am strong, courageous and hopeful. I know who to rely on to give me victory over evil...what about you?

"God is with you, and He'll help you make spiritual progress - strengthening and encouraging you to keep on keeping on during rough times. It's easy to quit, but it takes faith to press on to victory. - Joyce Meyer

Dear Lord, I want to live a peaceful life and be protected against Satan and the evil he brings. Only through faith in You, prayer and time in Your Word can I guard against the temptations and evil in this world. With Your help I can be a courageous, strong, hope-filled and contented Christian. Help me to guard my heart and thoughts against the devil. Give me victory over evil. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.