Deceive Me Not

“…but if thou wilt cleave unto thy God, he [the destroyer] shall not have power to harm thee…”

Dangerous Deception

When my children were young they watched a lot of nature documentaries. In fact, instead of Bob the Builder or Dora the Explorer, nature documentaries were their number one choice if given a chance to watch something. Their fascination and understanding of all things creepy crawly to soft and cuddly grew into a knowledge that could probably win them a spot on Jeopardy.

As they’ve gotten older, they love to still watch nature documentaries and their knowledge has increased into an understanding of the beauty, and also of the danger these beautiful creations possess.

Take the Slow Loris for instance. This adorable primate is the cutest thing ever. Nocturnal, with big round eyes, and looking so fluffy there isn’t a person on earth that wouldn’t want to give it a cuddle. Maybe until one learns it is deadly and can kill you with one bite!

So too is Satan in our lives. He may appear harmless, but can quickly turn into a viper, willing to strike hard and fast.

Shakespeare wrote “The prince of darkness is a gentleman” (King Lear, act 3, scene 4, line 143) and “The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose” (The Merchant of Venice, act 1, scene 3, line 95).

Once, at church, there was discussion about the ways Satan attacks us, and how we can best prepare. The thought came to my mind, “What about the ways we don’t know? Surely he will also attack us in ways we aren’t expecting.” Immediately another thought came: “We have promised protection if we remain close to our Savior.”

“Cleave unto thy God”

“But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me” (Psalms 3:3, KJV)

Sister Barbara Thompson once shared a beautiful story of her grandmother and her patriarchal blessing. This particular part of her grandmother’s blessing stood out to me, “The destroyer has sought to destroy thee, but if thou wilt cleave unto thy God, he [the destroyer] shall not have power to harm thee. Thou through thy faithfulness shalt have great power and the destroyer shall flee from before thee because of thy righteousness.” (“Cleave unto the Covenants”, Ensign, November 2011)

What an incredibly beautiful promise.

This promise is not hers alone. As we too seek Christ, as we come to Him, and as we courageously stay true to the covenants we have made.

A Hastening of Righteousness and Light

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4, KJV)

Right now, there is a hastening happening all around us. A hastening of righteousness and light. Which, in turn, means there too will be a hastening of sorrow and darkness. We will not always know what the devil has in store for us. But we do know he wants to stop faithful women at all costs because his time is running out. I truly see the influence righteous women have as they shine His light into the increasing darkness of the world.

If we stay true to our Savior, Jesus Christ and stand courageously for light and goodness, we can say with confidence, “Deceive me not, Satan. For I am a daughter of God.”

“For with God shall nothing be impossible” (Luke 1:37, KJV)

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57, KJV)

 

 

Invitation:   Do not allow feelings of worry to overshadow you. Instead, seek for the light that is available to each of us through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and shine His light into the world!

 

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