I had a very strange dream. I was in a situation where a man I didn’t know had taken me hostage and was controlling my life. I had the feeling of being constantly watched and didn’t have the freedom to do anything I wanted to do. I was eventually rescued. I thought a lot about the dream because it was very clear in my mind, and still is. I came to the conclusion that the dream had been triggered by an event the previous day involving a dissatisfied customer. This man had virtually gotten inside my head because I was really upset about his comments and the way he had handled it. I also believe that he really had no reason to complain. Be that as it may, the enemy found a chink in my armour and this guy got into my head. Someone said to me that I shouldn’t allow him to be upsetting me and I decided to write so that I could get it out of my system. Some people exercise to feel better, some eat, I write.
The dream I had illustrated very clearly to me what happens when we allow toxic people to take over our thoughts. It is an extremely dangerous thing to do. We become their slaves. We get into spiritual bondage. The scary part is that the person who caused it sometimes isn’t even aware of what he caused.
Galatians 5:1, Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
1 Peter 5:8-9, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
2 Timothy 2:25 speaks about those who oppose themselves. That is what I had been doing. I was opposing myself because I knew what the right thing was to do. I knew that I shouldn’t let a little thing like that upset me and put me into a state. I knew, but I allowed it. That is a sin because if it is left unchecked it has the potential of taking over my whole life and coming between me and God, me and my husband, and influence every decision I make in my life.
James 1:13-16, Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
These verses show how the devil tempts a person and finds that gap that he can get into. That weakness, the door that’s left open. I clearly didn’t have my shield of faith in place and my helmet was slipping because my mind wasn’t protected. My own desire, in this case was the desire I had to give back to the person exactly what he had given to me. To take revenge and also to be offended and hurt. Fortunately, although I started out on that route, I took heed of good advice and did not continue in sin. Who knows where I could have ended up.
James 1:12, Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
That is what we should aim for. Be suited up with the armour that God has so graciously provided for us at all times so that we can stand firm.
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