As we live in this world, many things occur around us so that our attention is upon them, and not the Lord. In many instances, these things are not “sinful actions.” However, they penetrate us, diverting our focus.

An analogy of what can happen to us is that of a duck. A duck’s feathers repel water and other things so as to not let them penetrate to its body. If the things penetrate, the duck can become weighted down. We must be like ducks so that these things do not penetrate our feathers. Once they penetrate, we become weighted down by their occupying our mind; consequently, they consume most, if not all, our focus. Like a weighted duck, we sink.

We must do everything we can to stop these things from weighing us down. The first step is to recognize and assess them as weight. If we fail this first, important step, we stand the chance of getting caught up in it because it feeds and grows on itself. As time passes and if it goes unchecked, we will feel weighted down, even burdened. Our focus and mental energy turn to the weight instead of “the race that is set before us.”

To counter weights that come at us, we must be immersed in prayer and God’s Word. These will keep us focused on our race. If we are not focused, many distractions will occur. Once we recognize something as a weight or distraction, we must rebuke it because it is of the enemy. God wants us to stay focused on our race. If we cannot seem to shake it off, we must then pray and study God’s Word more diligently. We must remember that we can cast all our cares on the Lord because he cares for us.

Is there ever a time when you think about things, and as you go over them, either one or a few bring anxiety over you?

Does it feel like something could go awry with the situation? Is there fear that swells inside you as you think about it?

Although we all have these feelings of anxiety and fear at times, we have the Word of God to console us. God knows that we have this need to be comforted. That is why His Word is there for us. We need only to know and apply it.

The above verse states that we must trust in the Lord and not be afraid. For, through him, we can continuously have peace in daunting circumstances. Not only can we have peace but we also can draw refreshing strength from Him. From this strength, we can have joy in situations where the logical response is to be disheartened.

So, whenever there is fear, doubt or anxiety, please remember that God is here for us. We need only recite this verse and believe. Everything will be all right. The Lord is our strength and song. Give him the praise.

… be strong in the Lord,
and in the power of his might.
--Ephesians 6:10

Because we have the Lord as our foundation, we can stand firm against attacks from Satan.

We must realize that occurrences that make us feel less complete as a Christian are attacks from Satan. We must use the power of the Holy Spirit to help us during these situations. Satan knows our weaknesses. He’ll shoot darts right at the spot where we are most vulnerable. However, the Lord always provides a way for the darts to miss or not penetrate, that is, if we accept the way.

We have the Lord. We must know that for us to live a holy life, we must rely on Jesus. Trying to do things on our own yields failure. We cannot be strong in ourselves; we can be strong only in Jesus. Our power is infinitesimal against Satan’s, but through Jesus, our power can exceed Satan’s. Our only hope for victory in our Christian walk is to be strong in the Lord. His might is so strong. We can have rest.

So, when you’re feeling inadequate as a Christian, observe Satan’s attacks on you. For victory, you must “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.”