We have all been there at least once; discouraged, disheartened. For some of us, it doesn’t take a lot to get us there. The stress from work, a strained relationship, loneliness and illness are just a few of the things that can keep us off balance and make it easy to tip over the edge into despair.

Now, I am not talking about chemical imbalances or mental illnesses. I am talking about negative emotions that can gain the upper hand if not dealt with.

God wants us to live in victory. He didn’t plan for us to have to experience discouragement in our lives. We can thank the enemy for that and the many other negative emotions that can run rampant in our minds if we let them. When we are burdened, tired, overwhelmed by life, that is when the enemy will strike; when we are at our weakest.

You are of your father the devil,

and the desires of your father you want to do.

He was a murderer from the beginning,

and does not stand in the truth,

because there is no truth in him.

When he speaks a lie,

he speaks from his own resources,

for he is a liar and the father of it.

John 8:44

Satan doesn’t fight fair either. He hits us below the belt and doesn’t stop at just one punch. He enjoys watching us succumb to his wiles; going deeper and deeper into despair.

Do not rejoice over me, my enemy;

When I fall, I will arise;

When I sit in darkness,

the Lord will be a light to me.

Micah 7:8

Satan knows that if he can mess with our minds, input a few negative thoughts, that he may be able to get us to start listening and believing them. He knows if he can get us to start believing his lies, we will have less of a chance of turning to God for help, because we will be too busy listening to his lies.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

It doesn’t have to be that way. We don’t have to listen to him. We can use the tools given to us by God for just this purpose. We can fight back. We don’t have to put up with him bothering us. We can start by taking back control of our thoughts and kick him out.

Until now you have asked nothing in My name.

Ask, and you will receive,

that your joy may be full.

John 16:24

The Name of Jesus-As believers and sons and daughters of God, we have the right to use the name of Jesus when dealing with the enemy. Rebuke the enemy and bind him in the name of Jesus; telling him he has to leave you alone. He has to listen to you. Tell him to leave in the name of Jesus.

And these signs will follow those who believe:

In My name they will cast out demons;

they will speak with new tongues;

Mark 16:17

The Word of God– God didn’t leave us helpless in our fight. He gave us mighty weapons, one of which is the strongest we can wield, the word of God. When we quote or read scripture when battling the enemy, it weakens him. It reminds him who our God is. So learn verses that speak of the power of God that you have as a believer.

For the word of God is living and powerful,

and sharper than any two-edged sword,

piercing even to the division of soul and spirit,

and of joints and marrow,

and is a discerner of the thoughts

and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

We can also encourage ourselves through His word. There are many verses that lift us up; that remind us of who we are in Christ. They also remind us that this world is not our home. That we have an eternal home waiting for us. This gives us something to look forward to.

O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation,

You have covered my head in the day of battle.

Psalm 140:7

The Strength of God– We don’t rely on our own strength to fight the enemy and stay encouraged. No, we rely on God’s strength running through us to succeed in this.

Through You we will push down our enemies;
Through Your name we will trample those

who rise up against us.
For I will not trust in my bow,
Nor shall my sword save me.
But You have saved us from our enemies,
And have put to shame those who hated us.
In God we boast all day long,
And praise Your name forever

Psalm 44:5-8

The Promises of God– God is faithful and trustworthy. What He says He will do. Not always in our time or in our own way; but it will happen, according to His will. God wants us to grow in Him and be able to stand against the enemy in His strength and in His power. 

The God of my strength, in whom I will trust;

My shield and the horn of my salvation,

2 Samuel 22:3a

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But whoever listens to Me will dwell safely,

and will be secure, without fear of evil.

Proverbs 1:33

Praises to God-I have said it before and will continue to say it. Praise is a mighty weapon against the enemy. It is vital in the life of us as believers. Also, God deserves our praise every single day of our lives. We should be willing to honor Him this way.

Sing aloud to God our strength;

Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob.

Psalm 81:1

Not only that, praising God does an awesome work in us too. It lifts us up, lightens and gladdens our hearts. Praise restores our confidence in the One Who gives us life. When we are praising God the Holy Spirit is able to do a work in us that will last long after we say the last word.

Therefore by Him let us continually offer

the sacrifice of praise to God, that is,

the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

Hebrews 13:15

It is time for believers to stand in the strength that they have through their Father, the Lord God Almighty. It is time to pull ourselves up and out of the grip of the enemy and start claiming the word of God for ourselves. Until we do this we won’t live in victory, but once we do this, we will become a mighty force for the enemy to reckon with.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord

and He shall lift you up.

James 4:10

Until next time, God bless,

~Brenda