The Medicine Cabinet: Turn It Off — Monday
1 Peter 5:8
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (NLT)
If you’re anything like me, most of my knowledge of lions is based on the movie The Lion King. According to that movie, lions are kings, and as kings, they are in charge of everything the light touches. And their cubs (especially the one who can’t wait to be king) love to sing, dance, and explore the elephant graveyard.
As nice as it is to imagine all the animals doing choreographed dances together, that’s not really an accurate picture of life on the savannah. Lions are known as kings for one simple reason: They’re at the top of the food chain. They are known to hunt zebras, antelopes, elephants, and even hippos and crocodiles.
If you spend any time at all watching footage of lions on a hunt, you’ll begin to understand why Peter used this analogy to describe Satan. His attacks are not random. They are well coordinated, strategic, intense, and without mercy. He’s not looking to ruin your day or make you frustrated. He’s looking to devour you.
Too often, we spend our time trying to fight the devil on our own. Do any of these sound familiar?
I’m starting the diet tomorrow.
I’m going to spend less time staring at my phone.
I’m going to have a healthier relationship with my spouse.
I’m getting off social media.
I’m going to be more active.
I’m committing to reading the Bible every day.
We try over and over to fight these battles on our own. And against Satan, we are outmatched. We’re a zebra trying to fight a lion. But we weren’t made to fight alone. We have Jesus on our side, and when the battle is Jesus vs. the devil, it’s not really a fight at all.
Don’t underestimate or downplay what Satan is out to do. But don’t go at it alone. You have the most powerful ally on your side. And when Jesus is fighting for you, Satan doesn’t have a chance.
Monday’s Reflection
Where have you been fighting your battles on your own? In what areas of your life do you need to allow Jesus to fight on your behalf? Take a few moments right now to surrender control.