Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the the springs of life.”  This Proverb is clear clear about a critical thing, to not lose heart.  To not let the trials and troubles of this world pull you away from your faith and cause you to fall away from where God is leading you.  We are in a world at war.  It is a fact that is very clear no matter where we turn today.  I was hanging out with my brothers from Wild at Heart this weekend and while there we watched a Ransomed Heart videocast that they do every month in Colorado.  John Eldredge took time to make this point and then pointed to the news from today to just support the fact that the world is at war.  Turn on your news and what do we see, murders, thefts, Christianity under attack daily all over the world, addictions, families torn apart, and so much more.

With all of the battles we face each day, it can be easy to lose heart.  To shrink back to a life of complacency and just accepting your world as it is.  Not seeking God’s heart and not walking in union with Him.  It can easily happen to any of us at any time.  We can be taken out if we are not careful by the enemy and this world.  We are in constant war with this world, and with ourselves and our sinful nature.

When I came back from Wild At Heart in February, I was riding high.  I was so motivated and pumped and God was really starting to move me as I fully surrendered to him.  My writing has been on fire and He is leading me in a new direction in my life to help others in counseling to find healing and restoration in Christ in their own lives.  Something I am still so excited about and it’s a journey look forward to each day.  With that said, what happens after something like that.  Life happens.  The world you are familiar with is staring back at you and essentially says welcome back!  Now back to business as usual.  Get back to where you were.  I found myself at one point beginning to doubt myself and fighting acceptance of the status quo.  The enemy began to work at my life and at my heart to steal, kill, and destroy what God has been restoring.

This happens all the time to people and has happened to me before.  Losing heart and losing sight of where God’s leading.  We have to fight.  Christ tells us that we will have trials and trouble in this life, but He overcame this world and its troubles, so we can take heart in that.  Romans 5:3-4 says that “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment”  

We have to fight everyday.  Let God restore our souls each day and let allow the Holy Spirit to fill us and guide us through our actions.  It used to be very easy for the enemy to take me out and  he tries even harder now as I draw nearer to God, but I recognize that now and seek God to equip me for restoration and renewal each day and to armor myself with His armor.  The enemy is out to take us out everyday.  Trying to destroy our heart.  Trying to get us to lose heart and stop trusting in God.

It can be very difficult at times.  We have to fight to keep our hearts everyday.  Don’t let the world pull you away from your faith.  God has a mission for each of us.  We have to seek counsel and healing each day and he will help to not lose heart.  Don’t deny the war we live in, but arm yourself with God’s armor to stand-up and fight for your heart and your union with God.

“As in all warfare, the two essential elements in victory are knowing your enemy and knowing your resources.”   Sinclair B. Ferguson