“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 NIV
The other night I woke up and felt a formidable presence with its hands around my throat. Accusing and intimidating, it reminded me it was not going anywhere, nor was it through with me yet. In fact in it own words, it was only “heating up”.
It was overwhelming, to say the least. It is not very often that I can say I have come in direct contact with a dark spiritual presence. But, I knew beyond any doubt that I was not dreaming.
In the Presence of Our Enemies
I have felt that presence before. You know, the one that tries to convince you that God has abandoned you and that you are all alone in your trials. I wasn't afraid, but I was overwhelmed with a feeling of loneliness and isolation.
Was I really alone? Had God forgotten me? My current circumstances sure seemed to indicate he had stepped out of the picture for a while. Maybe he was just tired of my whining.
"Jesus," I whispered.
Instantly, I sensed another Presence in the room. The Lord was there. He did not say a word.
In that moment, I could feel the breath of my Lord even with the enemy’s clutches around my neck, yelling and spitting in my face.
And you know what? The Intimidator knew the Lord was there also. He knew who was in charge, and it wasn't him.
Like a school principal with his hands on his hips, the Lord stepped onto the scene. In the silence, you could have heard a pin drop. And just like that, the playground bully sullenly had to go back to class, saving his plans for later.
The Overwhelming Presence of God!
In the silence, he was protecting me. He was watching over me. He is watching over his children even when we can't see him or hear him or feel him.
It was a reminder to me that the Lord is “there” no matter how much the enemy shouts and spits and threatens. We have only to be still, wait, and watch.
He is our Guardian, our Protector.
"The Lord will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalm 121:7-8
Life is going to have its hardships, especially if our loved one is struggling with a life controlling habit, addiction, or is self-destructive.
We can choose to listen to the voice of the enemy and his lies, or we can listen to the still-small voice of our gentle, yet, powerful Savior.
When you are under attack, do not fear. He is with you.
Dear Jesus,
You are our Protector. We need not fear. Remind us that even when our enemies seem powerful, you are more powerful. You hold the power of the entire universe in your hands. We choose to not fear but to trust in you.
Amen.
Beautiful Blessings. Dawn