My battle field: protecting your heart

For the last two years, I struggled with thoughts that tempted me. I thought I had completely overcome those issues but alas I was wrong. I cried, begged God to make it stop but nothing seemed to changed. Instead, it got worse when I relocated to Germany. Now I bet we all deal with evil thoughts that tempts us. No wonder Jesus prayed “Lead us not into temptation” (Matthew 6:13).

But where do these temptations come from? Why do people suddenly begin to do things that seem out of character? I once heard about a father who murdered his 4 year old and in his confession, he said he didn’t know why he did it. According to him, it almost seemed like he was compelled. I cannot but think that it would have been a different story if he had the word of God buried deeply in his heart, Let’s see what the Bible says,
¹³ Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. ¹⁴ But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death-James 1:13-15

Now, we know that the natural man who is dead to God is allied with Satan. This is why your flesh will, without renewal in God’s word naturally want to do silly things. This is why I battled in my soul for two years with my flesh just wanting to go off on its on tangent. If satan tempted Jesus , who is the Creator who do you think you are? Satan will tempt you with things that you are attracted to. So what can we learn from Jesus on this issue? How did he overcome?

If you went to sunday school as a teenager, you probably heard the scripture “Keep your heart with all diligence,For out of it spring the issues of life” Proverbs 4:23. Jesus kept His heart with God’s word. This is also how I am able to survive the attacks on my mind. Why are you watching sexually immoral movies if you are prone to sexual lust? Why do you spend your time watching murder and crime mysteries if you are prone to things like anger, jealousy and strife?
Don’t you know that satan is fighting for your soul? God has instructed us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12),and yes God is able to keep you from falling (Jude 1:24) but you need to align with Him and His word. You need to protect your heart. When most people do things, they must have thought about it. Protect your heart to live in God’s will and plan for your life. Yes, you might still struggle but you will have God’s word as ammunition like our Master Jesus.

To end, I leave you with the words from apostle Paul, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” Romans 12:2

You too can win the battle everyday.

You are loved,

Favour