“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: “1 Peter 5:8

I recall and acronym from a sermon that I heard some time ago that was very helpful. It was the letters H. A. L.T. or halt which is a smart thing to do when you get to hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. Under any of these conditions we tend to think irrational and make decisions that are not in our best interest.

The enemy of our souls would have us do nothing better than to become unfocused and irrational.  1 Peter 5:8 admonishes us to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”   The Greek word God inspires Paul to write is a verb sophroneo translated in the New Testament as “sober-minded,” “self-controlled,” or “sensible.” The meaning of this word is vital to our spiritual walk-in life.

When we are distracted, the devil can invade our mental space and place all kind of doubts and unreal ideologies in our minds; especially if those thoughts have no sound basis or relevance… examples such as self-diagnosis of  underlying health conditions or medications which require medical advice and attention; these untruths can lead us down the path to some very unhealthy outcomes; also in matters of relationships, unclarity and assumptions can lead to misunderstandings, fear, anxiety, jealousy, anger, and loneliness to name only a few, all which keep us from experiencing God’s truth, peace, and a healthy mental outlook… watch your step, the enemy of our souls is extremely cunning and will use any means possible to destroy us.

Just take a look at the pharmaceutical companies who are making a wealth of money off of pain killers, depression, and anxiety medications. Satan and his demonic forces take a stronghold in the lives of those who fall privy to his lies and the exploitation of their weaknesses; unfortunately, resulting in the inability to experience a life of peace and good mental health. God has promised to keep our minds in perfect peace if we stay focused on Him and trust in His promises. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3.

A practice of daily prayer and meditation will place our focus on the Lord. May God help us to learn the practice of self-care, by seeking wise spiritual counsel, maintaining a positive attitude, exercising to each of our own abilities, eating a well-balanced diet and getting plenty of rest.  Above all things learning to trust and rely on the power that lives in every born-again believer; God’s truth dispels the onslaughts, and deadly landmines of the enemy every time, remember God is able to keep our minds in perfect peace! “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

Praise God that the Holy Spirit empowers His beloved children to stay alert, watchful, and strong in the faith. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8.

God blessings of love and mercy keep us all!