As I look out over our nation, the world, everywhere there is creeping darkness. I look at my own heart and mind and I see darkness. As born-again believers, we have entered a battle of dark vs. light. Physically, individually, we do not have the power to be victorious and bring glory to God. As I was thinking about this ongoing battle, I was reminded of three things that are critical to me and hopefully to you. The victory is ours, but we must fight the battles. How do we do that? “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zech. 4.6). To persevere and win the spiritual battles, we must daily put on the full armor of God (Eph. 6.10-20). Five are used to defend you while the sixth one is the offensive weapon, the sword of the Spirit, the word of God. It will not return void.
When Jesus encountered Satan after 40 days of fasting, he, as the Son of Man did not rely on his strength as he probably didn’t have much at that moment. But what he did use was the word of God. That alone set the model for our earthly conquest against the darkness. Three things come to my mind.
Meditation-not yoga style but meditating on the word of God as it relates to you and the world around you. Meditation takes you deep into God’s truth. When you encounter various parts of the Bible that seem to speak to you, slow down, pause, and right there meditate for a while on what God is saying. “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law does he meditate day and night” (Psa. 1.2). What about Joshua who had just been handed the monumental responsibility to complete the task for God to take Israel into the promised land. God knows this and gives him the key to success as he would face many enemies of darkness. “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you should meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Josh. 1.8).
Memorization-for some, this is difficult. But there are ways that you can learn which makes it easy and indelible. The verses that God leads you to meditate on, maybe those are verses you need to memorize. The gospel, for sure. Repetitive, out loud, works best. Then you become a storehouse of God’s word able to use it whenever the Spirit prompts you. For yourself and for others. This has been a great joy in my walk. Lean into these. “I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word” (Psa. 119.16). Now Jesus. ‘But he answered, “It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Mt. 4.4). One more. “Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you” (Prov. 6.21-22). Fill your mind with good ammo!
Mobilization-in the New Testament the concept of mobilization takes on a spiritual dimension as the early church is called to spread the gospel. It underscores the importance of readiness, obedience, and unity among God’s people. It reflects the divine strategy where God equips his people for a specific purpose or a significant task ordained by God. Spiritual warfare! The battle against the powers in the heavenlies. For what has God mobilized you? I know for sure it is or will be a part of the Great Commission. ‘And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age”’ (Mt. 28.18-20).
Meditate/Memorize/Mobilize!! Darkness loses, Light wins!