Stuck in the Quagmire

Every child of God has the experience of sensing the Holy Spirit nudging when we have blown it yet again. Our naturally born carnal spirit clashes with the Holy Spirit as He urges us on to walk in His power. We all want the strength of God reigning in our lives. None of us would refuse God’s own peace soothing us in all the hurting places of our heart. We love His joy without measure that fills us to overflowing as we walk in intimate relationship with the One we love so much. At such heights of hope and joy and peace it seems that nothing could make us tumble down into despair ever again — until it does.

We’ve all had those moments when, yet again, we have opened our mouth and hurtful words have poured forth, or we’ve demonstrated unnecessary frustration toward someone. We’ve done the wrong thing again and again and again. These are dangerous moments in our walk with God because demonic forces seize the opportunity to cast accusations, pointing out in evil glee our shortcomings, shouting that we’re no good to God or anyone else.

What is the number one thing we shouldn’t do? Agree. When demons whisper disparaging words, insulting us in our weakness, never, ever agree. Why? Because we only sink further into the quagmire of misery. What should we do instead? Shout out loud, “get behind me Satan, I am purchased by the blood of the Lamb, counted as righteous before my Father. I am washed clean by the blood of Jesus, made whole by His blood, and purified for eternity, all because of the blood of Jesus.” Satanic forces must flee. Yes, they’ll be back; relentless in their attacks, but they cannot win any battle for control of our mind as long as we — practice repentance.

When we fail again and again, it’s so easy to fall into self loathing, but this , too, is sin. When we hate ourselves, we are showing distain for someone Jesus died to save — He died for you and for me. When we allow ourselves to listen more closely to demonic accusations than we do the urging of the Holy Spirit to come before the Lord in repentance, a lack of peace becomes evident, then joy is gone. We feel pathetic. Our intimate, lovely walk with God has stopped. We go nowhere near joy because we are stuck on a muddy path of despondency, all due to unconfessed sin in our lives. Satan is smirking while you are hurting.

Is there hope? How do we get out of this ugly quagmire that sucks our inner peace into melancholy? The answer is found in Matthew 3:8 when John the Baptist tells us to bear fruit in keeping with repentance (NASB). Did you get that? It’s repentance that leads us to bear fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT). Refusing to confess our sins leads to demonic forces taking advantage, kicking us down; but repentance, confessing with desire to walk close to God, lifts us into heights of joy and peace and patience and goodness.

We will all sin until that day when we are in our resurrected bodies. Until then, we don’t have to live in downcast defeat. We can live victoriously everyday — just repent and accept our Father’s forgiveness. Then walk on in the joy of the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, making us more like Jesus everyday. Get out of the quagmire of misery. Repent and walk on solid ground of joy again.