“So the people were scattered throughout the land of Egypt to gather stubble to use for straw. And the taskmasters pressured them, saying, “Finish your work, [fulfill] your daily quotas, just as when there was straw [given to you].””
Exodus 5:12-13 AMP
Two tactics of the enemy: to scatter (and isolate) and to increase the pressure.
These are definitely two that I often fall prey to and hit me hard. Let’s call it overwhelm. When this happens I feel scattered in different directions. This is anxiety inducing — to be anxious literally means to be “fractured,” pulled apart in different directions. And, this leads to feelings of isolation. My perceived pressure to do all the things and get it all right and “everything depends on me,” increases.
I know I’m not the only one. Listen, friends. The enemy (Satan) hates you. You bear the image of the Holy God. Jesus told us to expect this and to be on our guard for a reason (Matthew 10:22, John 15:18-21, 2 Timothy 3:12).
When you feel scattered, isolated, under extreme pressure — this is an attack. Stand your guard and call upon Mighty Warrior God.
“Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith…” (1 Peter 5:8-9).
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a Mighty One who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing,” (Zephaniah 3:17).
Mighty God is fighting for you! He is rejoicing over you! He is glad about you! Rest in His love and let Him quiet the noise, let Him drown it out with His loud, exuberant singing!
Now circle back to 1 Peter 5, “casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you!” (v.7).
Keep watch, my friends. When we feel pressed down and broken and defeated and stuck, when we feel pulled apart in all directions and our thoughts spiral, the enemy is showing his hand. We’re onto him. That means we can turn what he intends to harm us to good by inviting God into our fears and overwhelm. He cares deeply for you!
Prayer:
When my mind is swirling and the pressure is rising, lift my eyes back to You! Make me wise and alert to recognize the enemy’s assault and then strengthen my faith to fight back with Your word of truth ringing loud in my ears. Help me give up my worries to You, because I trust You. I will not fear, because You are with me! I love You, Lord! Your mercies and faithful love never fail me.
