Power, authority, and control

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At any given moment during any day, there is always someone or something vying for power, authority, or control over our senses.

This may sound extreme, but it is true nonetheless.

When we belong to Christ, we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us.  Jesus promises us that the Holy Spirit will help us always.  The Holy Spirit also comforts us.  The Holy Spirit reveals truth and provides wisdom. 

With all of these gifts of the Spirit (and there are more), how is it that we still stray from God?

Our emotions can lead us astray.  Our thoughts can lead us astray.  Both of these are gifts from God, too.  But left unchecked, or if we give into unrighteous ones, in that moment, they reign over us!

When we see Jesus as Lord - over it all - we are free from being controlled by anyone or anything else.  If we are in the habit of giving in to negative emotions or thoughts, or if we have conquered them but they still rear their ugly heads occasionally, that is when we must swiftly come back to Christ, lest they become strongholds.

When we pursue Christ, when we want to get closer to Him, there will be spiritual attacks and battles. Why?  Because the ultimate power lies therein: in our intimacy with Christ.  

We always have a choice.  In the heat of the battle, it may not feel like it!  But when we allow Christ to reign in our thoughts, wills, and emotions, He brings peace and comfort.  It may take time sometimes.  But we do not have to cave in to those other "powerful" forces.  We can take hold of Christ through prayer, worship, and submitting to His will.

The temptation happens when we take our eyes off of Jesus, when we focus instead on people (when they mistreat us) or our own "rights" and feelings.

This is part of the sanctification, maturation, process in Christ.  

1. Recognize the attack for what it is.
2. Step back and take a breath.
3. Pray for wisdom in the moment.
4. Worship Christ out loud, or if you can't in the moment, then do so in your heart.
5. See Jesus as Lord, not the other vying entities as lords.
6. Keep at it! Some battles take time.
7. Believe God for the breakthrough and deliverance.

The enemy brings up the past.  The enemy wants us to care more about what others do and say than what God says. The enemy wants us in pride.  The enemy wants to trap.

God is ever present to help (Psalm 46:1). God sets free (John 8:36). God reigns supreme as the all-powerful authority (Matthew 28:18).

When we are aware of these truths about God, when we focus on Him instead of our negative emotions or thoughts, we are pulled up out of the pit.  Freed from despair.  Able to move on and walk forward in His grace and power.

Let's remember who is in charge always! And let us surrender to His power, authority, and the Spirit's self-control in us.  

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