What are the most common baits that Satan dangles in front of you to tempt you?
I know that for me, it’s carbs?
Satan and his minions study us. They know where our weaknesses lie.
Satan will not try to tempt me to overeat broccoli.
Instead, he suggests that chocolate or cookies or pretzels will satisfy.
What do Satan’s temptation strategies boil down to?
He wants us to decide what’s good for us instead of trusting the Lord to show us what’s good for us.
Whenever we lean on our own understanding: (“what do I feel like eating?”) we are vulnerable to temptation through the lusts of the flesh: (overeating carbs and sweets).
A simple prayer that’s worked for me is:
“Lord, show me what You want me to eat and how much is enough.”
I have found that the Holy Spirit leads me to make ‘good’ choices when I pray this prayer.
So, a key to overcoming temptation is learning to trust and acknowledge the Lord Jesus in everyday decisions.
Paul tells us to pray without ceasing.
So, learning to dialogue with the Holy Spirit is only going to help us discern God’s ‘good’ for us even in mundane choices.
Also, engaging the Holy Spirit in the simple choices will transfer over to the more difficult battles that Satan wages against us through our bodily appetites.
For example, when Satan uses a person’s hormones to tempt them to seek satisfaction through viewing pornography, a believer can counter his attack with:
“Lord Jesus Christ, I yield my sex drive to you. I acknowledge that You designed me for intimate love and that ultimately my need for intimacy is met fully in You. I need You, Holy Spirit, to fill my thoughts with praise and worship of You. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I command all sexual spirits to shut up and leave me right now!”
Beloved, Satan does not dangle stuff that we don’t consider ‘tasty.’
So, the keys to defeating his temptation strategies are:
- Realize that only “in His presence is the fullness of joy, and at His right hand are pleasures forever.” (Psalm 16:11)
- Engage the Lord in prayer right at the point of Satan’s attack.
- Acknowledge that you have been crucified, it is the Lord Jesus who lives in you, and the battle belongs to Jesus.
- Redirect your thoughts to praise and worship songs.
In this week’s Nugget of Truth video, I share that when we trust in Jesus’ love for us and acknowledge Him, He is faithful to show us what is ‘good’ for us and to empower us make that choice!
Blessings!
Robyn
[youtube=http://youtu.be/tGmKI7bZaP8]