In his book War on the Saints, Jessie Penn-Lewis wrote, ‘The chief condition…for the working of evil spirits in human beings, apart from sin, is passivity.’ A lot of evil comes from us simply doing nothing or sitting back and letting things happen. That’s why the apostle Peter urged us to ‘Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour’ (1 Peter 5:8 NLT).

Satan will use things like pleasure, power, pressures, possessions, passions, and people to take hold of us and tear us to pieces. Paul tells us to be on guard ‘so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes’ (2 Corinthians 2:11 NLT).

How can we defend ourselves against Satan? Author Neil Anderson said, ‘Our defence against direct attacks by the evil one is to speak aloud God’s truth.’ We need to speak aloud to Satan because, while God knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts, Satan doesn’t (see Jeremiah 17:9-10 and Psalm 139:1, 23-24). When we’re in Satan’s sights, let’s keep James 4:7 in mind: ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you’ (KJV).

Take these two powerful steps: First, talk to God. ‘Call to me in times of trouble: I will save you’ (Psalm 50:15 NCV). Second, talk to Satan. Keep it short and full of authority: ‘Satan, in the name of Jesus, stop everything you’re doing against me right now. Back off! Go away and don’t come back!’ When we resist him in Jesus’ name, he’ll have no option but to leave.

What Now?

Whether you’re feeling under attack at the moment or not, try starting your day with the two steps at the end of today’s reading. Be clear that Satan isn’t welcome in your life.