This blog is inspired from my book, Younger Me: You Are Free. The feedback I have received from those who have read my book, many were encouraged with this topic, the Dangerous D’s. I speak on what I call the Dangerous D’s briefly at the beginning of my book. I wanted to go a little deeper with it.
Once you realize that there is an enemy, that is out there to distract you from the things of God you can begin to discern certain situations better. I will share with you some tactics that he uses to try to keep you in a state of not receiving freedom and hindering you from pursuing God.
Let’s get started. We will break down seven of these Dangerous D’s, discouragement, deception, defeat, disbelief, diversion, delay and depression.
DISCOURAGEMENT: a loss of confidence
In times of discouragement, we need to build up our confidence.
1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us.
I understand when you are in a situation to where you feel discouraged, it is hard. I encourage you to get into the word and believe God’s will for your life. He hears your cry. Sometimes, we have to stir ourselves up! Build your confidence by drawing closer to God. With confidence, comes peace.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Discouragement may cloud your thoughts, causing you to look at our problems rather than God.
Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
DECEPTION: the act of making someone believe something that is not true
When I think of deception, I think of lies. There are many ways lies are thrown at us. The enemy is the creator of lies. We often hear that we are not good enough or we will measure up. Many will compare themselves to the social media realm not realizing that over half the stuff they see is photoshop, filtered and edited pictures. Little voices invade our minds telling us “I will never be that pretty” “They got their stuff together” “I wish my wife was as hot as her.” I think you get the just of where I am going. The lies not only come as forms of comparison but maybe your struggling with finances. Maybe you struggle with thoughts. Maybe the deceptions come in the form of addiction. Addictions are something that the devil uses to enslave one. He makes you feel as if it is something that you need to get through the day or the night. But addiction is a lie! All these things I mentioned, plus several that I did not are all lies.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
This is why getting into the word to build up our confidence in Him is so important. Knowing who we are and being confident will help you overcome any insecurities the devil tries to put at your feet, in your hands or in your thoughts. 2 Corinthians 11:24 warns us: And no marvel: for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
To sum it up, Satan’s most successful tool is deception. He is the father of lies. Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Keeping the whole armor of God on at all times is very important. Never take it off. (If you would like a better understanding of the armor of God, I have a section in my book that breaks it down.)
DEFEAT: win a victory over (someone) in a battle
The definition may seem a bit extreme. But if you think about it, people face battles in different ways. At times they are with other people and often they are through different situations. We can not allow someone or something to have defeat over us. The book of Deuteronomy gives us great encouragement.
Deuteronomy 20:4 For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.
Deuteronomy 28:7 The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before they face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.
Wow, did you get a visual after reading that? I totally got great visual with that verse. During an attack, you may see it coming at you at a force in one direction. But then God, causes them to flee from you in seven ways! One of my favorite verses is in Exodus.
Exodus 14:14 The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
I can’t help but elaborate on confidence again. In the battle you can hold your peace in confidence, knowing that the Lord is for you! In Matthew 19:26 we read that with God all things are possible. With Him on our side, who can be against us or defeat us? Take time to read Romans 8: 31-39 This passage explains that God is for us and nothing can separate us from Him.
Defeat can make you feel like a failure and that you are no good. It may hinder you from going forth with God’s plan. Romans 8:37 Na, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
DISBELIEF: lack of faith in something - inability or refusal to accept that something is true or real
We must believe and understand that God’s plan for our lives is good. He has given all the measure of faith to believe in these things -Romans 12:3. How do we strengthen our faith?
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Our faith is fed by reading and hearing the word of God.
Understand that God’s word is truth. It is power. His promises are for you. I love this passage in Proverbs,
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Just take a minute to rest and pray in that.
Disbelief makes you question if you are good enough and question God’s plan and truths. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
DIVERSION: an instance of turning something aside from its course - to redirect - distract
A diversion may come resulting in distracting us from God’s plan causing confusion. But know, God is no the author of confusion, but of peace.
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Understanding that distractions and or temptations may come in many different forms, but God always has a way for you to escape. This is why it is so important to stay in tune with Him and His word.
1 Corinthians 10: 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Diversion causes confusion, also painting a pretty picture for sin trying to keep you from righteousness. 2 Timothy 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
DELAY: detain - hold up
When I think of delay, I also think of procrastinating. In Matthew 25: 1-13 there is a parable told of the ten virgins. Five of the virgins were ready and prepared for the bridegroom. The other five virgins were not prepared and procrastinated. At the time of the bridegroom’s coming the five that delayed went to the five that were ready asking to get some of their oil for their lamps. There was not enough for them to give. This is a great example of being ready. It is always important to be prepared and ready. Not being prepared can cause you to miss out.
Delay can cause you to put off something so it never gets started or completed. Proverbs 12:24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
DEPRESSION: feeling sad - unimportant
Depression can get a hold of one in such a deep way. At times it may blind someone from any hope or happiness. Depression often may come when you give too much attention to the other seven Dangerous D’s from above. You can go back and read 1 Corinthians 10:13 (the diversion section) and have peace knowing that God has your back. Often one may feel very weak in a depressed state. If you ever find yourself there or getting there, I suggest to stir yourself up. Get alone with God in prayer, put some worship music on and start dancing around. In Nehemiah 8:10 it says that the joy of the Lord is your strength. In Him, you can find the strength, peace, and joy.
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and no be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Resting in the Lord, seeking Him, giving thanks in all things and waiting on Him you will become renewed. Being renewed will help you to see clearly.
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Choose joy! Pray about everything! Give Thanks! Even if you don’t feel like it.
Depression is feeling low, having lost enthusiasm or hope. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Keep in mind, the more you pursue God, the more effectively you will be able to overcome these Dangerous D’s. Read His word, pray, and get into a worship mode. There is no right or wrong way to read your bible. No right or wrong way to pray, praying is just talking to God. There is no right or wrong way to get into HIs presence with praise and worship music.
Check out my other blog on David. David was a man after God’s own heart. He talked to God, asked Him questions, and worshiped Him. He was a great example of how to seek God.
Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
2 Corinthians 5: 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Thank you for reading this blog. I pray it has been a blessing to you. Please share it!
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