In the Battle

James 4:8

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

In his ancient book, “The Art of War,” military strategist Sun Tzu presents thoughts that have impacted generals and military leaders for centuries as they ponder how to handle tactics and strategies of fighting battles. In one passage, he said that when you think you are going to be attacked, “rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him…” In other words, expect to be attacked and focus on being prepared.

The Bible tells us that as followers of Jesus we are engaged in a war, but it is not against flesh and blood. People are not our enemies. There are spiritual forces trying to take us down with spiritual tactics and schemes.

When you are tired, you will be tempted. When you are with others who want to participate in sin, you will be enticed to join them. When you are alone, your mind will wander to arenas where you will be attacked by self-doubt or even self-loathing.

During such times of intense battle from trials we can reach a point where we have no sense of the presence of God.

While we can get distracted by our culture and the constant assault on our senses, the fight often comes from our own thoughts, our own flesh.

It's then that we have to intentionally stop, even if we are listening to someone else speak, and focus our minds on the things we have done to prepare.

The first line of defense is prayer. We must be in an ongoing conversation with the Spirit where we ask Him to direct us. “How should I answer, Lord?” is a silent prayer I offer up.

The apostle James wrote today’s verse while describing the attack of Satan and told us to plan on him throwing dangerous darts at us. Then he challenges us to resist him.

How?

By “drawing near to God.”

So, your best defense against the enemy is to move. Did you get that? You can take a defensive action by moving.

When you move toward the Lord, you are turning your back on sin, on worry, on your flesh. Those are the places where Satan wants to pull you down.

A second defense must be God’s Word. Have you memorized it for just such times as this? Verses like “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee” should immediately come to your mind (Psalm 56:3).

Through prayer and meditating on Scripture you can draw near to God. Talk to Him throughout your day. If you have transformed your mind and replaced your thoughts with His Word you will hear Him answer with truth that reflect His way, His desires.

The times of battle can subside when you find peace in Him.