By Vladimir Savchuk
“When you notice something is missing in your life—like joy, peace, or purpose—it’s not always misplaced; sometimes, it’s been stolen. The enemy works to steal from us by capitalizing on areas of our lives that may be open or vulnerable.
In my case, it wasn’t that we lost our car; it was taken because of an opening left unguarded. In our spiritual lives, if you find yourself distant from God or lacking peace, it’s essential to retrace your steps and examine where you might have left an opening. Sometimes, the enemy exploits these unguarded spaces to bring loss and turmoil.
However, this isn’t just about our actions; sometimes the enemy is actively looking for access. “Do not give place to the devil” is a reminder that even seemingly small practices or beliefs that deviate from God’s truth can create these openings (Ephesians 4:27).
When we recognize these attacks, our response should be to renew our strength in God. David faced a similar challenge in 1 Samuel 30:1-6 when he returned to Ziklag to find his camp destroyed and his family captured. Overwhelmed and blamed by his men, he could have reacted in frustration. Instead, David “strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” By renewing himself in the Lord, David was prepared to act according to God’s guidance. In your own battles, take time to recharge spiritually through prayer, worship, and reflection. This allows you to rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, preparing you to face any spiritual attack with clarity and strength.
“David and his men reached Ziklag on the third day. Now the Amalekites had raided the Negev and Ziklag. They had attacked Ziklag and burned it, and had taken captive the women and everyone else in it, both young and old. They killed none of them, but carried them off as they went on their way.
When David and his men reached Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons, and daughters taken captive. So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. David’s two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.” I Samuel 30:1-6”
Prayer:
“Father, help me identify any areas where the enemy may have gained access. Give me the strength to close those gaps through repentance and a renewed commitment to You. Help me to rely on Your Spirit’s guidance and find my strength in You. Amen.”