The Problem
As I lay in bed this morning thinking about the day, I noticed something; a veil of ‘self’ descending over my thoughts and feelings. This started a few days earlier, but I was not paying attention. Like a fine mist, the veil was growing ever thicker until it was hard to make out my Beloved.
The veil of 'self'
The enemy brings the veil of ‘self’ down with a simple tactic. In my situation he used our living circumstances in this motel room and our book, which seems to have stalled due to lack of interest, to focus my attention on ‘self’. My ‘self’ nature then craftily blinded my spiritual vision with tiny thoughts and feelings of discouragement and frustration that I was not diligent enough to thwart. The veil of ‘self’ fell, filling my foggy brain and heart with its toxicity. It was clear I was failing to take all my thoughts captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5) and the nasty ones made it past security.
The battle for our thoughts and feelings is not one we can take lightly.
The Trojan horse
The enemy routinely sends Trojan horse deceptions into our minds and hearts that the ‘self’ nature that is all too willing to accept. Once they get in a veil of ‘self’ falls over our thoughts and feelings until we no longer see Jesus. Satan robs us of peace. This is an ongoing pattern we have observed for a long time. The subtlety by which satan and ‘self’ launch such an offensive makes the violation so very dangerous.
But I failed, and sure enough, I went downhill. Then the Lord spoke. Isn’t it grand that no matter how we may get lost in the fog, the Holy Spirit can break through and lead us to sanity? With a few words of truth He pointed out my mistake; gently and with great love.
The Solution
God’s message was simple, repent, and move on. Yes, it is that simple. Jesus does not make us jump through hoops, punish or make us go through some penance to restore a broken relationship. He wants us to recognize the wrong and reverse course. To see the wrong for what it is and make a conscious decision to reverse course. When I repented He blessed me by restoring clarity to my thoughts and feelings.
The veil of ‘self’ has been lifted.
The discouragement may come back, but at least I know the signs to look for. This latest test has made me aware of how serious my thoughts are. I am prepared and watchful for any thoughts that take my focus away from Jesus.
Our Father is watching over us, helping us to see what we cannot without His help. If your connection with Jesus seems murky, ask the Holy Spirit for clarity. He is more than willing to open your spiritual eyes to see Jesus.
Blessings,
Homer and Wanda
Thanks for these encouraging words!
You are very welcome. Thank you.
You are complete in Christ! Nothing needs to be added or taken away.
Amen! Blessings to you!
LOVE THIS!!!! REPENT and move on! Amen! And I loved your blog on debt. For some reason I have a hard time replying though. It sometimes appears bugged out on WordPress. Love this!!!!
Thank you Shellie! Our Father is watching over you and your hubby!
It’s easy to fall into discouraging thought patterns. Keeping our focus on Jesus does help. When we fall short it’s great to know we can repent and be restored. Great post! Thanks for sharing this. ❤️
Amen! Thank you Dawn. Blessings to you.
You’re welcome! God bless you too!
No hoops with Jesus. We simply confess, repent and move right along. Hallelujah!
Amen! Thank you! May your day be filled with the Joy of the Lord!
Awwww! You’re welcome. May we continue to seek and hunger for all things Jesus ??
I have never thought of it quite this way. “The Veil of ‘Self'”. I agree it is so important to see it coming and redirect. Thank you for sharing with Grace & Truth Link-Up.
You are very welcome. May His blessings overflow to you today!