How many times do we hear the verse that says, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17)?

But more importantly, how many of those times do we actually listen to what the verse is trying to say?

How many days, hours, minutes, and seconds do we really give up as an offering to Lord for His use? Because that's what this means, right?

But how often do we allow Satan to get inside of our head and discourage us? How often do we fail to realize what's really going on in that moment? How many times do we lose sight of the goal and give up after tripping once or twice? Maybe you're on a boat, and you feel as though you are in the middle of the ocean, sinking. In that moment, what do you do? What do you say? Who do you get angry with?

Most of the times when you are in an overwhelming situation you will tend to blame yourself, or someone else. When really that's not who is at blame here.

Why and what do I mean exactly?

The Bible clearly states in Romans that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the evil in this world.

Maybe you broke a printer at work, maybe you failed a test, maybe you got in a fight with your best friend - whatever the battle is, do not lose sight of what is really happening. Do not allow Satan to get inside of your head or even whisper in your ear. Do not allow him to steal your joy.

Maybe you feel like a failure because you can't do anything right. Maybe you feel like you can't be trusted, or that you can't trust anyone else. Maybe you feel abandoned. Maybe you feel angry. Maybe you feel guilty. Maybe you're hiding a secret because you are scared of what might happen if someone were to find out.

All of these emotions are just pent up inside of you. They swirl around and simmer. They take root in your mind and never let you forget what you are feeling right then.

They leave you feeling helpless, angry, doubtful, hopeless, torn, and broken.

So many times when we get this way, we seek help and comfort in the wrong places. Too easily we find ourselves seeking anything but the Lord in these vital moments.

DO NOT lose sight of what the battle really is about. Do not forget that this battle is not yours to fight. Do not forget that yesterday's battle, today's struggle, and tomorrow's war have already been fought. But most importantly, they have been won.

Do not forget that God already made the ultimate sacrifice when He sent His own Son down to earth pay for ALL of our sins.

Past.

Present.

Future.

All of them.

The Lord longs for us to come to Him with our burdens, broken hearts, tired feet, and weary souls.

The Lord wants nothing more than to wrap us up in a hug and tell us that He's got it covered. That we don't have to worry anymore. That we can relax and rest in His caring arms.

So easily we fall snare to the traps that Satan has set out. To catch us unaware and weak.

So tell me, why is it so important that we stay aware and in constant communication with the Lord? Why is it so important that in all we do, we do it for Him?

Because if we do not, then our broken hearts and weary souls will try to find satisfaction and healing in others things. We will try to fill this hole in our hearts with something that doesn't fit. Something that only brings temporary relief.

So I part with these words: it is vital to the growth and protection of our hearts, our souls, our futures, our friends, and our family that we follow what this verse says.

In whatever we do, in word or deed, be done in the name of the Lord.

Such a small and simple verse as it seems, yet is so full of deep meaning and mysteries we will not fully begin to understand or comprehend until we are face to face with our Heavenly Father. His love and understanding for everything is so much deeper than our minds can even fathom.

Will you join me on this road? Will you go with me on this amazing journey as we follow our Savior?

The cross before us, and the world behind us.

Complete and total abandonment at the foot of the cross. No turning back.

In all we do.

May it be unto the Lord with thanksgiving in our hearts.

In all we do.