In the light of day, it’s easy to write off fatigue as a poor night’s sleep, malaise as a dietary imbalance, a series of disappointments as bad luck and coincidence.

But in the dark of night when all is quiet, I can sense the devil smiling. He has prevented me from accomplishing God’s plan for me for yet another day. Every time I pass up my Bible study or say I’m too busy to pray or too tired to call that friend who needs encouragement, the evil forces in this world throw a little victory party.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.” (Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭12,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

God’s plan for His children is to do good in this world, to love each other with everything we have, until He returns. The devil’s plan is to mess that up in any way he can. He loves it when I ignore him, forget he’s there, and underestimate him. That’s a win for him.

Fortunately, God gives me all the tools I need to overcome everything evil. He gives me defensive and offensive tools to easily defeat the devil every day. But I have to remember the devil is there, working against me, so I remember to turn to God constantly for my shield and sword. Prayer, Bible study, communing with God, appreciating His creation. The devil hates all of that.

In the dead of night, I much prefer to see God smiling and the devil looking glum and defeated.

Dear God, I know your power is above anything in all of creation. The devil has already been defeated and cannot fight against the tools you provide. Remind me to put on your armor and take up your sword to fight the fight for love today.