I (Ruth) struggle with my thoughts, I think we all do if we are honest with ourselves. Let me explain… when I am feeling anxious, or worrying about things such as my personal life, school, friends, motherhood and then it hits me……the lies from the enemy. I will admit that I have let him get the best of my thoughts from time to time.

“Your enemy the devils prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

I was reminded that the enemy is looking to distract you, tempt you, or pull slightly off course. He’s looking to devour you. We have everything we need to defeat him. You don’t have to feel powerless, the devil is predictable.

“For everything in the world the cravings of sinful man, the lust of the eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father, but of the world.”

1 John 2:16

He is coming after me today by making me want to have my needs met outside the will of God. He will put scenarios in front of me that will tempt me to crave, lust and boast. The devil wants me to fill my emptiness with an unhealthy dependence on the acceptance of others. Then he can get me focused on opinions of others ,so that I get completely distracted from deepening my relationship with Christ.

One thing that I have learned is that the devil is powerless when our minds turn to God. Temporary pleasures will never feel the loneliness inside. I have learned this the hard way in my life. I can remember the moment I felt so far away from God and wondering how in the world did I get there. I had allowed temporary pleasures to fill me. I struggled with seeking approval from others, failed relationship after relationship, trying to fill a void my career consumed me but just like God to cover me with His grace and mercy.

I had to learn to ask myself this question: “Is my attention being held by something sacred or something secret?” What is holding my attention the most is what I am worshiping. Sacred worship is all about God.

Secret worship is focused on something or someone in this world that seems so attractive on the outside but in time will leave you feeling lonely, deprived and longing for more. I (Ruth) have learned that where we pay attention matters more than we know. If we pay attention to foolish things it will change our perspective. Remember that Satan’s schemes are well thought out and target our particular weaknesses to these things:

• To increase our desire for something outside the will of God.
• To make us justify giving into weakness isn’t a big deal.
• To allow us not to think through the consequences of falling into this temptation.

Can I be honest with you and you with me? We all maybe at one time or another have been through this vicious cycle. I know I have. I have allowed emotional pain to consume me and then I begin to justify my thoughts and actions outside of God’s will.

That is why it’s important to be mindful of what is influencing us and feeding my thoughts. Ask yourself “Where am I paying attention?” What is the first thing I am paying attention to in the morning? What am I paying attention to right before I go to sleep? If I want God to be my focus, I have to give Him my thoughts. God has shown me that the enemy’s power is rendered powerless in the presence of God’s promises.

This is my prayer today: Lord, will you guard my mind and my heart. Allow me to seek You first in all things, take away any distractions that may be in my life that take my focus off you. I want my focus to be on You alone, help me when I struggle with my thoughts. May I turn to you and remember Your promises. Thank you for loving me and extending Your grace and mercy over my life. I trust You and I know that You are writing my beautiful story and I come before You expecting great things.