The devil’s schemes
War with darkness, a poem by Regina McIntosh
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The devil’s schemes The devil sends his darkness, shadowing my belief leaves me overwhelmed by mourning and defeat he was evil from the start of time, such a ghastly thief always telling me I’ll never stop those sins I repeat shades of fear often overwhelm my weary soul and I feel like death will leave me without a hope though I know Jesus’ love, I sometimes can’t feel whole because the devil keeps reminding me that I can’t cope while I know that his evil is beyond my comprehension I often feel like I’ve given in to the fear that is his plot these worries and anxieties cause such dreadful apprehension even though Jesus reminds me that my soul is blood bought there is a silent prayer I often say when I’m feeling troubled I tell Jesus that He’s my friend and I’ll never forget His power and He assures me that His love for me is surely doubled because when I send prayers – the devil cannot devour though the devil schemes and tries to destroy my life I know Jesus sacrificed all so that I could be saved from hell and the pit of despair that tempts me to give in to worry and strife to hear the adversary who tells me to disobey and rebel even though I know the Holy Spirit and all the love He brings I sometimes let the shadow of death overwhelm my dreams before I remember that I know, with Jesus, my heart always sings melodies of grace and joy this tender Spirit softly streams there is an enemy who tries so desperately to destroy me but there is One far greater and He seeks to restore me fully without listening to the accuser, I know His Spirit will agree because of the One named Jesus, I can face the biggest bully the devil tempts and tries to keep the heart from believing but I know the love of Christ is worth all the enemy’s accusing so even when I feel so alone, lost in this world as I’m grieving I remember that Jesus faced much worse, while still choosing… the shame of a rugged old cross, where love left hope for us all where life reminded our souls that we have the best advocate so when our heart is pricked and our soul hears Jesus call we can know that our purpose is to show others this love we emulate! Ephesians 6: 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Note that Job never denies God’s existence, never imagines that his troubles come by pure chance. God surely has something to do with it, and he has a thousand questions. Unknown to Job was a strange encounter that had taken place in the court of heaven. The members, we read, had taken their places in the presence of the Lord, and the Adversary was there among them. The Adversary? In heaven! So the Book tells us. God asks him where he has been, and he gives what sounds like a flippant reply: “Ranging over the earth, from end to end.” God then calls his attention to a man unique among men, blameless, upright, God-fearing, opposed to evil—the sort of man against whom Satan will surely wish to try his strength.
Elliot, Elisabeth. A Path Through Suffering (p. 50). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
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