Devotions Inspired by the Fresh Start BibleSample

Muzzling Monsters

By Zach Neese

There’s a word for telling of God’s strength: praise. When my son was little would often wake from nightmares in a trembling, sweat-sheened panic. “Son,” I would tell him, “whenever fear comes against you, praise Jesus and it has to go away. Jesus is bigger and stronger than any man, monster, or demon. And they are scared of Him.” I would pray with him and remind him that the Lord doesn’t give him a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). It takes self-discipline for a little boy to trust God’s love and strength when he’s afraid. I can’t tell you how many nights I heard his sweet little voice from down the hallway singing, “Jesus loves me, this I know...” as he learned to war against his monsters. The simplest of songs, the strongest of truths, is a muzzle over the lying lips of the enemy. 

Someday I am sure we will stand in awe at the legions that have been mobilized to the tunes of children’s songs. 

As adults, our greatest enemy is not some creepy-crawly beneath our beds. Instead, our enemy appears in whispered accusations, lurking anxieties, and nagging doubts. Our enemy is that false prophet of our tomorrows: fear. Fear is not just an emotion. According to 2 Timothy 1:7, it is a spirit. Fear is our enemy accusing God of being too weak to help us and too distant to care. 

Those are lies. 

Just as Satan lied to Eve in the garden, he lies to us as we toss and turn in our beds at night. It can feel like an unstoppable onslaught, but there is a shield to protect us from a hoard of fear—it’s praise. All it takes to make him shut up is your child-like agreement with a simple, irrefutable truth. Jesus loves me! God is Good! He is strong and kind, merciful, and mighty to save. 

Praise is expressing the truth about God, and truth is the only way to win a war of words with the devil. Just praise, and let the truth of God slap the enemy in the mouth. 

Prayer

Father, today I will praise You, and I’m so grateful that Your praise drives away the spirit of fear and the lies of the enemy. You are good, and You have given me love, power, and sound mind. Thank You, God. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Memory Verse

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28–30