“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 ESV
It was a steamy, hot Fourth of July. We celebrated the holiday in a cool, dark theater, watching a forgettable new movie release—the theater’s comfortable, reclining seats, complete with footrests, made for a relaxing afternoon. We returned home determined to carry the spirit of relaxation into our evening.
We lounged lazily in the dark green, plump leather chairs in the family room for an hour or so, talking and trying to decide what to do for dinner. It was too hot to grill outside, and eating out held no appeal. I didn’t want to think about cooking. Our options were limited as we tried to figure out what food was in the fridge that would fix itself, then pick itself up, and come to us, bringing the necessary silverware and napkins along with it. We were taking our day of relaxation very seriously.
I realized I needed something from my office and got up, walking past the front door and into my office. I stopped short. Wait. What did I see?
I stepped back and stood before the front door aghast. The right side of the door frame was cracked almost in half, ripped away from the wall, and hanging loosely from a nail at the top. The lock on the door was busted. Someone had broken into our house while we were gone! We’d been sitting for over an hour in our home, comfortably unaware that we had been robbed.
Russ called the police. I began taking inventory of the items stolen.
That was about fifteen years ago.
Today, during my time of Bible reading and prayer, this unsettling event came to mind. And, I realized that we can become so focused on living life, getting things done, taking care of ourselves and our families, and all the other things that demand our attention, that we often go on our merry way unaware that we have been robbed.
Perhaps it’s a metaphorical broken door frame that eventually gets our attention, or maybe we suddenly realize that the peace of mind we once enjoyed is gone. Maybe it’s the joy that’s gone missing. You notice your patience is waning, or that deep sense of contentment you once knew has disappeared.
Friend, you’ve been robbed. The thief has broken into your life, and you’ve continued on unaware.
By the time you realize that a theft has taken place, considerable damage has already been done.
“But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into.” Luke 12:39 ESV
If you knew a burglar was targeting your home, you would be hyper-aware and diligent in guarding your property. You would report your concern to the police. You would ensure that your security system is functioning correctly and that all windows and doors are securely fastened.
That’s the reason responsible homeowners attempt to take pre-emptive measures to make it more difficult for their home and property to become a victim of crime.
Like a common thief, Satan doesn’t announce his intention to break in or rob. The assault arrives suddenly when least expected, when the victim is most unaware or distracted by other things and not prepared to ward off an attack.
Peter says the devil “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV). If you’ve watched any nature shows, you have likely seen a lion on the prowl. During the prowling part of an attack, there is no roaring—no noise that would prematurely announce its presence. The lion watches quietly, stealthily stalking its prey. Roars are reserved for signaling territory or locating distant members of the pride. Roars announce dominancy and power.
Lions don’t roar when they’re on the attack, nor does the devil.
Peter told Christians to be vigilant, always on the alert. Prepared and ready for whatever attacks come their way.
We must be constantly aware of our circumstances and attuned to the state of our heart and mind—so that we are ready to resist and stand firm in the power of God’s Holy Spirit, prepared for whatever attack Satan sends our way. (1 Peter 5:6-11)
When we don’t prepare—when we are not on alert and equipped to fend off the attack, we become prey. The worst part is that we may not immediately recognize that an attack has come and gone. It may take days, months, or longer before we realize what has been stolen from us and become aware of the ever-spreading damage that is impacting our peace of mind, joy of spirit, contentment, and patience.
Once you know that the thief has stolen something precious from you, go immediately to the Father. Admit that the loss has occurred and ask for God’s cleansing forgiveness. Confess your fear that the loss is impacting your spirit and your relationship with God. Ask God to mend the brokenness that has taken place and restore the joy of your salvation. Our God is gracious and forgiving. His grace and mercy are without end. He loves His children, and wants us to flourish in His love, joy, and peace.
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:10-11
Here are some simple practices that will help keep you on your spiritual toes, making it difficult for the enemy to break in and steal from you. Stay alert and prepared. Take pre-emptive action to combat the thief who wants to steal and destroy. Stand firm.
- Pray without ceasing—pray with intention, humility, and surrender. (1 Thessalonians 5:17, Matthew 26:41)
- Rely on the Word as your source of wisdom, instruction, and guidance. (Psalm 119:11, 16-17, 105, 114, 160)
- Align your heart with God’s truth and His heart. (Mark 12:30, Romans 8:6, 26-32)
- Yield your whole self to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in you. (John 14:15, 26; Titus 3:5, Hebrews 2:4)
Have you taken inventory recently to ensure nothing has been stolen or gone missing? What’s the state of your peace of mind and heart? Is your spirit unsettled? Are you no longer abiding in peace and fellowship with your Heavenly Father? Is there anything in your life that seems askew? Take all your concerns to the Father.
God waits to restore to you all that the thief has stolen.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13 ESV