Submit and Resist

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

To submit to God means yielding to His authority and will, which are more significant than our own. It means that we are making a conscious, daily decision to follow His commands and chase after His desires for our lives. Submission means living a life where it is evident that we trust and obey God in every aspect of our lives, from relationships, job decisions, the language we use, and the things we pursue. This can’t happen just when things go wrong, but it must be an active part of every day of our lives. When I wake up, I praise God immediately. I’m thanking Him for His goodness toward me.

When we continually submit to God, we remain vigilant in resisting the devil. Be aware that the devil will try to bring back the same temptations or thoughts. Stay observant and continue to resist. Remember that persistence is vital. The devil will try to wear you down, but stand firm in your faith, and he will flee.

The promise attached to God’s command for us to resist is powerful; when we resist the devil, he will flee from us. The Amplified Bible expands on this promise, saying that the devil will “flee from you [in terror].”

Practical Application

Begin each day by submitting your plans, thoughts, and actions to God. Spend time in prayer, asking for His guidance and strength. Acknowledge His lordship over your life and commit to following His will.

Romans 13:12; Ephesians 6:11

Be Mindful of What You Allow in Your Mind

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. (Proverbs 23:7)

The thoughts you allow in your mind become the beliefs that shape who you are and how you act. What thoughts are you allowing in your mind? Whatever you meditate on will change the possibilities in your life. If you believe you can do all things through Christ, meditate on that Scripture, declare it, and don’t change your confession. Then, you will see the miraculous things in your life.

The enemy wants you to confess and agree with him. He doesn’t want you to win at anything, so he wants you to focus on how impossible, complex, or problematic a situation is.

Be mindful of what you allow to remain in your mind. Just because a thought shows up doesn’t mean you must keep thinking about it. If that thought doesn’t align with God’s Word, you must throw it down immediately!

Negative thoughts will always lead to negative outcomes, while positive, faith-filled thoughts will lead to heavenly actions and results. In Philippians 4:8, Paul encouraged believers to think about true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable things. You can control your thoughts when you’re mindful about what you allow in your mind.

Practical Application

When negative thoughts or doubts appear in your mind, reject them immediately. Speak against them using the Word of God. Declare it out loud with your mouth and expect to see God’s miraculous results.

Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9

God Hears those who Fear Him

Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. (Malachi 3:16-17)

The word fear in this verse doesn’t mean to be afraid.  It refers to a deep respect and awe for God. This fear is not about being scared but about honoring God.

Notice it says those who feared the Lord spoke often to one another? There is power in being part of a community of faith that provides support and accountability and builds each member up in the fear of the Lord.

The Bible says that the Lord hearkened and heard what the faithful said to each other. God is attentive to the conversations and actions of those who will honor Him and each other in a faith community. There is something powerful about corporate prayer and studying the Bible together. Malachi wrote that God has a book of remembrance. Other stories in the Bible tell of kings who kept a record of those who honored them in the same way. You can be sure that your faithfulness to follow God will not be overlooked but remembered. He keeps a record of your obedience and plans to reward you.

God saves those who fear Him, revere Him, respect Him, and hold Him in awe. This does not just mean being saved from hell but also healing, protection, provision, and deliverance from the plots of the evil one.

Practical Application

Are you part of a local body of believers? Make it a point to surround yourself with a community of believers who share your reverence for God. Engage in meaningful conversations that encourage and build up one another. Knowing God listens to these interactions, share your experiences, struggles, and especially your victories.

Psalm 80:18; Isaiah 12:4