Every Christian knows by their knowledge of God’s Word and personal experience the life of following Christ is a daily spiritual war of great spiritual intensity. Some days more so than others, but the reality of the Christian life is summed up in one word – conflict. It is a conflict that will never cease in this life; will take no vacation or offer any terms of surrender.
The devil is a schemer; a master at deception. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He is keenly aware of our weaknesses and the exact areas in our lives to attack and bring us into spiritual defeat. The devil has been dealing with human beings for over four thousand years. He knows what works to bring about spiritual disaster in Christ’s people. And remember the devil’s chief goal against Christians is to do great harm to their witness and testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is two days after Christmas. In some homes, the decorations have already been taken down. There will be once brilliantly adorned Christmas trees now lying on their sides at the curb waiting to be hauled away. Or if the “fake tree” was the choice, it might already be boxed up and stowed away for another year. Some people are diehards. They will cling to the last day of the “holiday season”, around January 2nd or so, to start the deconstruction process of the decorations in and outside their homes.
People hurt people. Yes, we live in a society of rampant physical domestic abuse, but I am referring to emotional hurt. Family relationships are strained, people who once were so called “friends” now live in bitterness, even slanderous, with one another. And the last place such pain should occur is among Christians, but it happens. Too much.
Well, it has come. Christmas weekend. The next few days will be full. Family gatherings reach their zenith. Church services for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will be attended. Perhaps last minute shopping will occur. Whatever unfolds in our lives, this whole thing started long before this weekend. The world, the Christ-less world, started cranking up the “holiday season machine” in November, if not late October. And the world pulls out all the stops when it comes to this time of year. Lights and decorations turn houses and yards into brilliant displays.
Today’s scripture is a profound prayer. Think about it. The God who is always present and knows all things is being addressed by the Psalmist with very revealing words. To be able to pray, “I love you, Lord” with confidence is a huge big deal and requires at least three things in one’s heart before this prayer may even be considered.