Be sober, be watchful (by Vergia)

This week I have been meditating on 1 Peter 5:8. It says:

Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. (ASV).

In the past,  I would think the enemy would use big things to trap us. But to my surprise, I learnt that the things he traps us with are things that we would not even think of. He can be so crafty. For me, I realized the enemy would trap me with lots of expectations or thoughts of how things should be. If things didn’t live up to my expectations, I would feel irritated, let down, entitled or sad. It was like my emotions were always going for a ride. I wouldn’t even know I was placing unnecessary expectations on others and myself. At times it would be such a challenge. 

This week I learnt about trying to see the other side, being sober-minded and looking at different angles. And oh man, it made a difference in my life. 

I tried to practice looking at different angles at work and home. Sometimes I would even stop on purpose and to listen. I began to learn and understand so much more. When I was watchful of my thoughts, I learnt that it forced me to stop and apply compassion. 

I realized that by me submitting the judgmental thoughts to God, I was able to be sober-minded.  I began to fight the judgment and switch to the word of God. It felt like a huge load was lifted. I’m thankful to God for showing me this. And I can walk in love without placing unnecessary stress on myself or others.