Demons

The sky is filled with sunshine. Not a cloud to be found. Your life is running on all cylinders and every time you roll the dice you keep getting sevens.

You hop in your car, running just a bit late for an appointment, but you needn’t worry; you catch every green light for the four-mile trek to your destination.

It’s a perfect hair day and everything is I place. Everyone is smiling at you, and you seem to find everything you look for within a matter of seconds. You revel in the zone you find yourself and are certain the stars have aligned to create a party in your honor. Life is grand and your heart is filled with joy.

Then, the wheels fall off the cart.

Out of nowhere, something is drawing you closer and closer to the edge – a place you know you should not go. You have no idea where this is coming from, and you want to turn and run – you know you must run – but the force is overpowering. You know there is another path you can take but the allure is so strong you cannot turn away. Just one. I know I can do this.

I cannot for the life of me figure it out. We are moving along in this thing called life and are suddenly snatched up out of the blue by the filthy hands of a wretched being.

Everything seemed to be flowing picture-perfect, like an Oscar-winning film that ends with the tag, “Happily ever after.”

Why didn’t I see the trap? Was I not looking where I was walking? Was this my fault? What did I do to deserve this?

Your mind races through violent spins and turns as you attempt to navigate this all-too familiar territory. You are stuck on this highway that you know ends in a part of town you do not belong, yet you cannot find the exit ramp. These thoughts are not welcome in your mind, but they are uncontrollable. They are surging deep within you to grab hold of your very soul, yet you persist.

Addiction is nasty. It doesn’t matter whether you are the afflicted or in the audience, the situation still hurts all involved.

Drug and alcohol abuse is not a fun game to play. Some are dealt a handful of aces while others get a bunch of jokers. It just doesn’t seem fair.

Where do you turn when this ugly demon invades your world?

If you have a hint that these demons exist in the dark recesses of your being, you must begin to build your fortress today. You begin with a firm foundation, a Cornerstone. You must believe in your heart of hearts there is a Higher Power. A Creator of this vast universe. You must then profess your acknowledgment and allegiance to this power.

Next, there will be walls or borders you put in place to keep a strong barrier between you and the trouble that threatens to overtake your existence. These walls must be sturdy and built to withstand the strongest of attacks. Walls that cannot be breached.

You must have an army of allies standing guard with you when you are vulnerable. At the first sight of the encroaching enemy the call for support must go out. A “911” call to the one that is closer than a brother. A plea for help.

Have you begun to build this Mighty Fortress in your life starting with the Cornerstone?

Do you know this Higher Power?

Have you established a platoon of allies to call upon when the enemy attempts to invade?

If not, today is the day to take a stand! He is waiting to hear your cry for help, and He will not disappoint. Seek Him and you will find peace.

Isaiah 40: 28-31 (NIV)

28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

For Chanin December 2, 1965 – February 18, 2022