Facing the Monsters

I remember when my kids were young and their imaginations would look into the darkness and conjure up the scariest monsters. We would talk with them and tell them that there were no monsters and that they were safe. But it wasn't until we actually turned on the light and the darkness was gone that they would settle in and trust that everything was going to be OK.

One of the biggest lies that the human race falls into is the belief that facing difficult situations and the unknown will somehow bring pain and death. When the truth is as we face those situations it is like turning on the light in a dark room. It is only scary as long as the light is off. However, when the brightness shines out and brings truth, fear is no longer part of the equation. When the light is turned on and all can be seen it is time to deal with the truth. There are times that I have turned on the light only to find a huge mess and how I wish I could just turn off the light and it would all go away. This is not reality or what God has asked of us. The only spiritual beings that dwell in the shadows and darkness are Satan and his minions. Why is it that we so often want to join him with our secrets and shadowed corners full of pain and fear?

Isaiah 42:16

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

Ephesians 5:8-14

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

Both of these scriptures bring a promise to those who step into the God’s truth that the Lord will guide, protect, and love them while they walk this journey called life. This does not mean that the journey will always be free of mountains to climb or dangerous obstacles to overcome. It simply means, that as we take each step, we can do it with all of God’s direction, grace and truth. Here are a few steps for you to begin walking into the light and allow the Lord to give you strength to face the truth.

Pray- ask God for strength, this light can only be turned on by the Lord and what is found should only be faced with His empowerment.

Read and memorize scripture- Even when Jesus was facing His largest temptations head on he did not simply rely on His resolve. He quoted scriptures that brought light into the darkness and ultimately overcame the plans of Satan.

Go and Talk- This is so important. I know many people who struggle with the first two steps and make it to this step and then shut down. I believe without this step the darkness will prevail. We need to confess our sin. Face those who have hurt us or those we have caused pain. This time of facing the darkness is not to pick up stones to throw or position your self to be pelted by stones. This time of facing the darkness is to set you free and allow the light to shine into the darkest areas of the heart. This is the place where true freedom will be found.

Trust the Lord- Ultimately in the end it is all about trusting the Lord and allowing Him to guide us. We must not believe the lie that we can handle these situations alone.


I hope these steps are encouraging to you. There is nothing easy about facing the monsters that try to rule this life, but I promise you that as you face them the truth is never as scary as your imagination. The release you will find as you take away the unknown factors will produce seeds in your life that will lead to living in hope and joy once more.

May God bless you on your journey…

A New Year and a New Perspective

What is it that causes you and I to be joyful and happy or walk in despair and sadness? At large it seems to be the results of what we have done and/or the results of what others have done to us. I am being challenged to focus on the results of what the Lord accomplished for us when He sacrificed His life to give us a hope and a future. To focus on the Lord is no easy task, however, this is truly the only way that we can look beyond our surroundings and walk in joy.

This last week I was evaluating my year and where the Lord has brought me. At first a nice smile came to my face as I thought of my wife, children, family, friends, and all of the other blessings that the Lord has brought into my life. Then as if on cue the voice of despair began reminding me of things that have been lost and mistakes that were made. Quickly the smile began to depart from my face and tears began to well up. At that moment, I asked the Lord for strength. After praying, The song, The voice of Truth by Steven Curtis Chapman, came on the radio. This was very significant and helpful in allowing me to recognize what was happening in the spiritual realm. This song challenged me to listen to the voice of truth instead of my own voice and the whispers of despair that try to bring bondage to my soul. As the song was playing, I asked the Lord to help me hear the voice of truth. After praying, I slowly felt that the whispered lies I was listening to fade and the presence of the Lord and of what could only be angels reassuring me. I sensed that they were surrounding my car as I drove, protecting me and bringing a light to the darkness. At that moment, all of the feelings of despair washed away. I would love to be able to tell you that I have been on some strange spiritual high since that happened. Instead, I will tell you the truth. The very next day I woke up in fear and began the process of tuning into the frequency of truth sent out by the Lord all over again. This only confirms to me that the Lord is consistent and I am the broken one. How is that I am able to go from the feeling that God’s presence is enveloping me to being scared and fearful of what might be out there?

If I find the answers to this question, I promise to let you in on the secret. For now my hope lies in the fact that every time I run to the Lord, He is faithful and makes Himself known in a way that redirects my thoughts and emotions.

1 Peter 5:5-11
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen

I do thank the Lord for each of the blessings in my life and plan to keep my focus on Him. I believe that as I do this that I will know best how to love my bride, my children, my family, my friends, and whoever the Lord decides to bring upon my path.

May God Bless You! I hope that 2010 is full of much laughter and smiles.