God in heaven, you have helped my life to grow like a tree. Now something has happened. Satan, like a bird, has carried in one twig of his own choosing after another. Before I knew it he had built a dwelling place and was living in it. Tonight, my Father, I am throwing out both the bird and the nest.
—Nigerian prayer.
The devil is real. The devil is active. And God is real, is active, and stronger than Satan.
The Bible says that the devil is “looking for someone,” then calls upon us to “resist him” because God will “make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:8-10).
Become more aware of the devil’s activity in your life, so that you can address it with God’s promises. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
PRAYER: Dear God, the devil is real and active. You are real, you are active, and your kingdom conquers the devil for me. Holy Spirit, guide me to become more aware of the devil’s lies and schemes, so that I can address them and eradicate them by the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Where has the devil been active in you and around you lately? He brings “one twig of his own choosing after another.” So his work often seems harmless or even attractive, but it opposes God. Pray the prayers above and ask the Holy Spirit to help you tune into the reality of this spiritual warfare without falling victim to fear, sin or shame. Instead, ask for the presence and power of Jesus to make you the tall, strong tree and the devil a little bird.