Good Monday morning, friends! Thanks for stopping by once again for a little Monday morning motivation. I always enjoy sharing what I’ve learned over the past week with all of you — whether it was a struggle or a strength, I like to build community by being completely transparent. Sometimes those who look like they have it all together have been at war all week and have the scars to prove it.
I spent my entire weekend fueling up for the week ahead — starting with an early morning bible study meeting on Saturday with a group of facilitators from my church. We began with corporate prayer, and that led to a discussion of session two of our study. After 90 minutes, I was just ready to see the ladies in our group, but before we moved to our small group, we spent another 90 minutes praising the Lord through song, and then we watched a video clip before transitioning to our small group.
Our group is a diverse sisterhood of believers who all share a love of God. Most of us have been together since the last study about the Holy Spirit, so we have a kinship that other groups may not yet share. There’s love, safety, tears, and laughter in our sisterhood, and those things allow us to be honest about where we are in our walk to be better and do better.
As we walked through this new study on the life of King David, we shared some of our struggles as well as how we deal with them. I paraphrased part of our Pastor’s message from the previous week about the voices that we listen to instead of God’s promises. Pastor Anderson said that he is most vulnerable right after he has preached his best sermon. The enemy doesn’t even give you time to celebrate; he immediately goes on the attack saying things like That message didn’t resonate with anybody or even quoting scripture you hadn’t thought of using for that great message you just preached. Yes, the enemy quotes scripture too. For that reason, we need to be ready for his attempts to kill, steal, and destroy. Thankfully, we have the God of Heaven’s Armies as our Divine Strategist, and he’s everywhere — at the front, in the rear, and all around.
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Is there any promise more comforting than that? Praise God for always keeping his word. He can do all things but fail, and that truth should sustain you even when you’re under attack. As a group, my sisters and I brainstormed ways to counter the enemy when we’re most vulnerable — whether it’s Sunday night or Monday morning, here are five weapons that we all should have in our arsenals:
Weapons of War
- Pray without ceasing. Carve out time each day and all day to talk to God. There is no greater weapon in your arsenal than prayer and the expectation that God will do the rest.
- Put on your game face. No one needs to know that you’re suffering. Put on a smile and walk in your purpose.
- Schedule “Planned Neglect.“ Planned Neglect is a time period that you purposely ignore things that prevent you from focusing on God and refueling for what lies ahead.
- Intentionally Play Worship Music. Whether you’re in the car, doing laundry, or walking your dogs, be intentional about your praise and worship time.
- Take a Break. Sometimes you need a nap in order to refuel; other times you may just need some fresh air, so a quick jog or a brisk walk may just do the trick.
Thank God Almighty that we don’t ever have to navigate this world alone. He sends us help each day to encourage us and to strengthen us. Make a point of noticing these special friendships. They’re a gift. Also, what are some tools in your arsenal that you use to fight the enemy? Scroll down and join me in the comments. The more tools we have, the better equipped we will be to fight the good fight.
Before you leave, turn up the volume and listen to my Music Monday selection by Zach Williams entitled Chain Breaker. May blessings abound! <3
As usual, always a good word! So timely! Thank you!
You’re welcome. Thanks so much for reading.
I do believe there is a time and place to share your sorrows and pains. But not until you have begun healing and can do so without reopening the wounds. As a singer, I connect to everything through music, so that’s always a great way for me to get my mind in the right place.
So true! I sing as well, so I stay connected throughout the day in that way. <3
I’ve been discussing with my teens that the enemy knows scripture, too, and this is why it’s important we as Christians must know our scripture. I like your the idea for “Planned Neglect”. It’s good to unplug from certain things that keep us from growing closer to God. One personal rule I have for myself is not to get on my computer until I read my Bible and pray. And lastly, I REALLY love the suggestion for playing worship music intentionally.! I’ve been doing this for three weeks now and I have noticed a BIG difference in my mood. It has been so helpful in growing stronger in faith!
Thanks for taking the time to write such a thorough response about your journey and how you’re training your kids. No one else is going to teach them how to live a good life. Also, worship music is a great way to praise God, but it is also a good way to learn scripture. Keep on praising! <3
Oh, that’s a great point, too, Michelle!! Worship music really does help with learning scripture. I never really thought of that. Your posts have been very encouraging for me. Thank you for sharing your faith journey!
I’m happy to be connected with you too, Jennifer. I love hearing about the home schooling journey as well as the Detroit life. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this. It always helps me to write down the scriptures and say them to myself because faith cometh by hearing , and hearing by the word of God. The more I read the more it helps me.
Sounds like you already know where your help comes from. 🙂 Thanks for chiming in.
God can do all things but FAIL. This spoke to me and I appreciate you listening to God’s voice and sharing. Needed this today. It’s always great to remember I serve a God who is never failing.
It’s even more important now than ever before to keep that assurance in the forefront of your mind.
Planned neglect. I like it! I am about to turn in early right now to take a break. Sometimes I get tired of talking, and listening too!
We need to learn to set those boundaries. I, too, get tired talking and paying attention. 😀
It’s so important to plan for the things that you know you’re likely to face. Thanks for the Monday Motivation! Monday is my second favorite day of the week.
We must always be ready for whatever may come our way.
Sometimes those who look like they have it all together have been at war all week and have the scars to prove it – tell me about it. But it is good that you can find strength in community and His presence.
Everyone we know is fighting a battle of some kind. It’s just important to be kind to each other. A smile or a kind gesture can make someone’s day.
It is truly a fight to keep your sanity and faith strong these days
Get connected with folks who are journeying toward growing their faith and drawing closer to God. You will learn that faith is all we have.
Wise words as I’m headed into this work week. Number two is my favorite: put on your game face. I’m now a subscriber. I’ll need to revisit it for future inspiration. Thanks.
Thanks so much, Sis. We need to encourage each other as we fight these daily battles. Know that you’re in good hands! <3
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