The Message version of the Bible states in James 4: ”So let God work His will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. Say a quiet yes to God and He’ll be there in no time.” Sometimes in our faith journey, we lose sight of just how busy the “evil power” on Earth has been. Satan is having a “hay day” bothering our thoughts and disturbing life all around us. We get so caught up in our woes and trials, at times losing the comfort and wisdom of our Lord. It seems to drift from our mind and heart. This is the situation I found myself going through recently. A multitude of concerns and worries were mounting and filling my mind. My sleep was being adversely compromised. Walking the floor in the middle of the night became the norm for several days. Yes, I did some praying, but also wasted a lot of time going over and over the dilemmas on my mind. I definitely was not releasing them. An epiphany smacked me…I actually stopped walking through my living room and said aloud, “Satan, NO! I block you from me and my thoughts. Get lost!” God’s Holy Word tells me, whatever I block on earth is blocked in heaven! Matthew 16:19 “And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; whatever doors you lock on earth shall be locked in heaven; and whatever doors you open on earth shall be open in heaven!” (The Living Bible)

Do you want to know what happened?  Well, I went back to sleep.  I slept soundly until morning. My mind was no longer playing the repeated tape of my recent worries and concerns. I felt an enormous weight lifted from my mind. Isn’t our God a Mighty God? All powerful.  All knowing. He is our source of peace, love, strength, comfort. We all fall short.  We all falter.  We all sin.  The good news: God loves us unconditionally and never leaves us. Through all the ups and downs of life, we are His. Amen

Jill