Pray Not Prey

We often forget how cunning and clever the devil is. We can't deny that he is powerful. He has the ability and resources to convince people that life sucks. "You didn't get that job because you're stupid and incapable." "Your friends won't talk to you because you aren't worth their time." "You don't have a boyfriend because you aren't pretty and no one likes you." I recently read a book about a little boy who went to heaven (and came back.) His name is Alex Malarkey and part of his story was about the spiritual warfare he experienced while in a coma and as he was recovering. He gave visual descriptions of the devil and his demons. I'm sure many of us have seen drawings of demons and while they can be terrifying, I was really unprepared for what Alex had to share. He said the devil has three heads, a human form, moldy-like skin, and almost always came to him alone. The demons are just as disturbing. I can't get those images out of my head. When I'm feeling bad about myself, I now imagine the devil and his minions following me around whispering lies in my ear. Painful, ugly, damaging lies. And right next to them are God's minions- His angels, telling me the truth, not always the clear truth, like why the job didn't come through or why someone won't return my call, but the truth that God knows what He's doing and He has my best interests in mind.....Even though I know this, sometimes it's easier to just lay down and stop fighting the lies. Maybe because they make sense. The truth is harder to decipher. Who knows why God does things the way He does? We just have to trust and accept it. I've been having a hard time with this lately. I get so tired of pushing the devil away. As I was driving home from Taco Bell earlier (score 1 for Bex), Pray by Sanctus Real came on the radio. I love when God steps in and gives you exactly what you didn't realize you needed. I love this song and never really heard the words until now. I hope they give you comfort too.

I bow my head to pray, I don't know what to say
I'm not sure how to fix the things I'm dealing with
I'm in a desperate place, I need to share the weight
But I just don't know how, to let it all pour out
Though I'm silent, my heart is crying
Cause I was made to come to You

So I pray
God I need You more than words can say
Right here in this moment
You know my heart, You know my need
You know every part of me
So even if it's just to speak Your name
I'm gonna pray

I failed to find the time, but You've been calling out
I let the days go by as if I could live without
But it's gotta be here now, I won't be pulled away
Cause it's just You and I, so let the world around us fade

God bless, everyone. See you on Tuesday.  :)