Tumult, discord, chaos, or even just simple confusion are all mechanisms of fear... and Satan loves using fear to set us back on our heels, to cause doubt, or merely to cause us to pause long enough to just miss a 'divine appointment'. Our devotional today helps remind us that fear can actually be a good 'trigger' to heighten our awareness of Jesus in our lives... and exercising faith in Jesus will automatically minimize the fear Satan wants us to 'respect'. After-all, we 'are' respecting fear (and Satan) when we succumb to the threats, or the taunting, or even the derailing affect of his shenanigans.
One exercise you can use over-n-again is 'resistance'. James 4:7 clarifies it with; "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." See? The devil doesn't just leave you alone... he flees! He knows that anyone with strength and determination to stand their ground against him, MUST have connections!
Another exercise is to remember and believe that you ARE a child of God, washed and redeemed by the very blood of Jesus... forgiven! Where there is forgiveness, there is no condemnation (sentence). In fact, Romans 8:1-2, clearly states; "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." Satan HATES to be reminded that we are 'free'... that's why 'fear' loses its impact on us... no condemnation means we will NOT be punished; not be made ashamed; not carry our sin... but, Jesus our savior has our back, He covers our sin, He also told Satan '...get thee behind me' when being challenged! That's OUR mighty Father!
Lastly, Isaiah 12:2 declares; "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation." So, fear 'loses its teeth'; there's no bite, and barely a roar... through our faith in Jesus, but strengthened by 'exercising our faith', and toning up our spiritual bodies... making it second nature in our lives to 'call upon the name of the Lord', to trust in Him wholly and consistently (not only during trials), to remain close... for each new struggle you face, He can gently touch your shoulder and whisper to you, "Gotch'er Back".
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