It is Written…

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

Ephesians 6:10

Jesus had firsthand experience with the schemes of the devil.  In Matthew 4:1-11 we read about three specific times he tried to get Jesus to focus on His own needs and the means to fulfill those needs in ways that were against God’s Word.  Each time, Jesus said to the devil, “It is written…”  and He quoted Old Testament Scripture with truth from God to refuse the temptations. 

It is so important to remember that we have an enemy who wants to destroy us.  1 Peter 5:7-9 tells us that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour… But resist him, firm in your faith…  The Lord has given us the way to face those temptations.  James 4:7 tells us to “Resist the devil and He will flee from you.”  How do we resist the devil?  By following Jesus’ example – We say to the devil, “It is written…” and then we speak the truth from Scripture and trust the Lord for the strength from His Word.

Here are just a few Scriptures that we can turn to when the devil is trying to get us to focus on ourselves and our own circumstances instead of trusting God and His truth.

When I am afraid

Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, surely I will help you.  Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.    

Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

When I am in trouble

Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea.

When I have sinned

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

When I feel guilty for past sins

Psalm 103:12 As far as east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

When I need wisdom and direction

James 1:5-6 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.  I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

When I need protection

Psalm 3:3 You, O Lord, are a shield about me…

Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble

When I am lonely or feel unloved

Deuteronomy 31:6-8 and Hebrews 13:5 I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Psalm 145:18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.

When my feet have slipped

Psalm 40:2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.

            God’s Word is filled with truth and promises from God.  And when the devil tries to tempt me to focus on feelings instead of on the truth of God’s Word, I will say as Jesus said, “It is written…   Get away from me, Satan!”  And I will trust God’s presence, His protection, and His provision.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

How has the devil been tempting you?  What lies has he used to turn your focus away from God’s truth?

Which of these verses can you claim right now to refuse his attacks on your mind, your will, or your emotions?   Ask God to show you specific Scriptures that you need stay focused on.

You may want to write the Scriptures and post them somewhere you see them often to be reminded of the truth of God’s Word.