How to stay peaceful when you’re in a war

Do not fear. I’ve been hearing this in my spirit over and over the last few weeks. The temptation to be afraid is most prevalent in times of distress, uncertainty, and war. Yes, we are in a war, not just our nation, but in the spirit. We battle unseen forces in our homes, on our jobs, and even within the church. We see a culture in decay and more and more signs of Jesus returning for His Church. Yet He says, “DO NOT FEAR!” This is a command, a decree: do not bow to enemy forces. We must not bow.

Yet, fear comes for us, so what do we do? How do we maintain our peace when we are being chased by the Adversary?

In Psalm 119:161-165, the writer declares the glory and beauty of God’s word, but all while he is in a battle. He’s going through a struggle. He writes, “Princes persecute me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your word. I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure. I hate and abhor lying, but I love Your law. Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgments.”

And if that was amazing enough, he pens this, “Great peace have those who love Your law,
And nothing causes them to stumble.”

Nothing. Not the chase, the intimidation, the reports, the conflict – nothing causes this righteous person who loves God’s Word to fall when chased by evil.

There is a secret here to peace. The man or woman who loves God’s law, stands in awe of it, and treats it as precious, can stay peaceful even when enemy hordes are after their soul. They rejoice and tremble at God’s Word. They fear Him more than principalities.

Some ways we can love God’s law include:
Reading and memorizing Scripture
~ Studying the Word with Holy Spirit
– Topical studies (love, faith, peace)
– Word studies using a Bible Concordance
– Book-by-book studies…Have fun with it!
~ Speaking about it with others
~ Praying and speaking it out loud!
~ Putting His Word above our feelings and opinions

Loving God’s Word will cause you to tremble before the Lord while standing strong in the face of darkness. When you fear God, you refuse to sin by walking in fear. You will find yourself not bowing to princes parading as kings. You will become so captivated by God that you will not be depressed, oppressed, or impressed by evil. Great peace have those that love God’s law.

In Proverbs 12:25, Solomon shows us how ungodly fear affects our mental and emotional health. He writes, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.”

When you fear, you find yourself impressed with the enemy, causing you to bow and become depressed by him. Then you find yourself oppressed, a slave to his will.

Satan wants you to be impressed by what is happening in the world – in your world. He says, “Oh no! Look, there’s war in Iran! Look, gas is going up! Look, things are going wrong in your family, in your body, and in your mind! Look at all your problems!”

We must be sober and vigilant, and obey the warning given to God’s people in Deuteronomy 11:16,.

“Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship (be depressed by) them.”

This word worship in the original language means to bow down or become depressed. Fear is worship. You and I must choose who we will fear in this season of wartime. Jesus has already overcome, and we are invited to claim His victory as our own. It is rightfully ours in Him. The battle we face every day is not flesh and blood, but with the powers of darkness. Our weapon and safe place is His Word.

Paul said in Acts 20:22-24. “The Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God…So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

Paul knew that God had called Him to a battle with darkness, a good fight of faith, and a race towards Jesus. He commended the saints to God and to His Word to help them finish their race. So, if behind you, enemy forces seem to be advancing, know that Jesus is ahead of you and with you. Love His Word – treasure it, study it, speak it, and pray it. You will have peace, for you will know His will in all things.

Great peace has those who love His Law! Pursue God. Flee evil. Have peace ✌️🕊️

Much love,
His Yielded Vessel