Day 294: Stop, Drop, and Pray

Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 25:28

Central Thought: The Holy Spirit enables us to overcome any temptation.

‘Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control” (Prov. 25:28 NIV). Walls are a symbol of strength and defense. When we do not have either of these, we are prone to an attack from the enemy.

Notice that the author equates a defenseless city with a man who does not have self-control. A lack of self-control does not speak of an outward attack, rather one that comes from within. We have often heard, ‘the greatest enemy we face is the enemy within.” How true. Paul speaks in Galatians 5:16-18 regarding a constant battle between our sinful nature and the Spirit that lives within us. There isn’t a day that goes by when we are immune to this constant struggle within.

So how can we maintain self-control, which is one of the fruits of the Spirit? The only solution is through Spirit-control. If we just muster enough strength to resist the temptation or to say ‘no,” that is only will power. Yet if we will call on the name of the Lord, we will be saved. We will know His power to overcome in a time of weakness.

Try this the next time temptation comes your way: Stop! Drop (in your heart) and pray for the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus taught us to pray, ‘Lead us not into temptation” (Matthew 6:13). Likewise, let us ask the Lord to lead us away from the temptation and on to spiritual victory. Let us not be found without our defenses and be destroyed by the enemy within. May we walk and know the power of the Holy Spirit every day.

Devotional Prayer: Lord Jesus, lead me not into temptation today. But if it comes, I pray that You will prompt me by the Holy Spirit to stop, drop, and pray—and seek for Your power to overcome and bring me victory in Your name.

Today’s Bible Reading: Jeremiah 37:1-38:28; 1 Timothy 6:1-21; Psalm 89:38-52; Proverbs 25:28