Rest. Regroup. Advance.

There’s been much said of spiritual warfare of late. Battles seem to abound on every side and believers are warring with praise and prayer, wielding their weapons with what skill they have.

Yet, I have heard many express that they are beginning to weary. Starting to feel the weight and the exhaustion. Looking for moments of rest but finding that in the quiet spaces they are hearing the weakness of their bodies, the worries of their minds, or the doubt and fear the enemy is whispering.

I’ve been there myself lately.

And the Lord did as He often does with me: He gave me an earworm of a song on repeat. It’s simple. I learned it in Sunday School when I was very young. You may know it:

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.
Where?
Down in my heart.
Where?
Down in my heart.
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.
Where?
Down in my heart to stay!

v. 2: Peace that passes understanding
v. 3: Love of Jesus, Love of Jesus

The first 3 verses lay claim to the Truth of God’s promises for my individual life. The Joy of the Lord is my strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) As I cast my cares on Him, His peace that passes all understanding will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) Nothing – death, life, angels, powers, principalities, things present, things to come – can separate me from the Love of God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:38-39)

I love the progression, though. As I remind myself of the Truth, as I allow my mind to be renewed by the washing of the water of the Word, I find my spirit strengthened. Rest and restoration begin to flow into my mind and my body.

And then, with all the fierceness of a confident child who knows they have the backing of someone bigger and stronger than themselves, I can sing verse 4:

And if the Devil doesn’t like it he can sit on a tack.
Ouch!
Sit on a tack.
Ouch!
Sit on a tack.
And if the Devil doesn’t like it he can sit on a tack.
Sit on a tack to stay!

It’s okay to admit the frailty of your flesh, the sorrow of your soul, and the weariness of your spirit.
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Allow yourself to be renewed and refreshed, and then take up your armor once more. Your enemy is an already defeated one; the victory has been won in Jesus’ finished work and resurrection. We have only to stand firm in the Truth, keep walking forward, and remind ourselves and the enemy exactly where he can take his attacks!