There's an enemy lurking. It is well armed with lies, insecurities, and numbness all in attempt to cloud the believer's view of God. Many have encountered this enemy as they have crouched in the trenches amidst the gunfire of depressing moods and indifference. The war zone feels lonely because the army of God does not dare talk about this specific guerrilla warfare or how to combat it. Paralyzing fear overtakes the believer as they begin to slowly realize they are drifting further and further from intimacy with their Creator.
This enemy is apathy and it is time to bring it into the light. The believer needs defense tactics against such an adversary. Here are just a few:
1. Fight with TRUTH
Remind yourself of the truths God says in His word - the truth of who He is and the truth of who YOU are in His eyes. Remind yourself of the truths you know in your head, but can't feel in your heart. Remember who He has been to you in the past and trust in His consistency for the future.
2. Fight with PRAISE
Shower God in praises even when it hurts. In humble adoration praise Him for every little gift, blessing, and grace you have seen throughout your life. If you're stuck in how to praise Him, go to the book of Psalms.
3. Fight with JOY
Joy is a choice, not a feeling. So, today, choose joy. Refuse to bow down to negativity and disappointments. Instead, find the positive in each situation.
4. Fight with HONESTY
Be honest with God Himself. Tell Him how you feel. He doesn't want an inauthentic version of yourself. Instead, He says, "Come to Me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Come to your Heavenly Father as your truest self - your apathetic, depressed, emotional, jealous, numb self. He promises rest, weary one.
Stand up to apathy, believer. Don't you dare wave your white flag to this enemy. Instead, fight. Fight hard and fight well.
"I will fight apathy. I will implant these truths in my head until I feel them and even if I never feel it, I will praise You."