John Piper often talks about the Christian life in warfare terms. That appeals to me, and not just because Paul speaks of the Christian life as such (1 Cor. 9:26, 1 Tim. 6:12, 2 Tim 4:7). I like this because it reminds me that I'm not defeated when I feel down, that I can fight for the joy of the Lord.
For the past month or so I had something weighing heavy on my heart. I would wake up thinking of the issue, frustrated and sad. I told some friends and asked for prayer. And waited.
I continued to pray, continued to search out scripture, continued to pour out my heart to God, continued to ask God to reveal any areas of sin within my life, continued to just seek Him and ask Him why. I got frustrated with the time it was taking for this to lift, but I had confidence that my God is faithful.
Sometime last week the weight began to lift. I don't know why, but am so thankful.
And this is part of the reason I like the concept of warfare - we are in a war. We are in a spiritual battle and we can have victory. But are we willing to put in the time and effort it takes to achieve the victory? Not that it's of our own working, truly only of God's. But God has provided us means by which he desires to pour grace into our lives - do we take advantage of them? Of prayer, of the Word, of intercession, fellowship, confession?
On another note - are we even aware of the battle that is going on around us? If we have no concept that we are in a war is that a reflection of our spiritual life or lack of involvement in it?
Whether joyful or sorrowful, continue to fight for your joy. And while you're at it, fight for other's joy as well.
"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." I Timothy 6:12
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