Before You Credit the Devil for Your Bad Week: 5 Practical Checks for Your Mind
Before you credit the devil for your bad week—or even your bad year—here are five practical checks so simple you’ll probably laugh. We often look for a spiritual explanation for things that are actually within our control.
1. Have You Been Outside? ☀️
Or are you sitting on your couch or behind a desk wishing life would change? Your body needs movement. Is this a "spiritual attack," or are you just going against your design and remaining stagnant?
God designed your body to move. If you don't, you are literally sitting in toxins. Your lymphatic system requires your cooperation to function properly. Don't credit the devil for your lack of effort; I'm just being truthful!
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." (Psalm 139:14)
2. What Are You Looking At? 📺
Be mindful of what your eyes see and your ears hear. Years ago, I went through a short period where I was plagued by thoughts that I was losing my mind. I was completely thrown off—until I finally asked the Lord why these thoughts were attacking me.
Immediately, a movie I had watched recently flashed before my eyes. The woman in the movie had a mental breakdown. I had unknowingly opened a door to fear. The Lord reveals to heal; once I saw the source, I laid hands on my own head and cast those thoughts down. They never came back. There is a spirit of this world, and you might just be giving it your time and attention.
"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes" (Psalm 101:3)
"We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5)
3. When Was the Last Time the Word Came Alive in YOU? 📖
Not from your pastor or a YouTube preacher—but YOU. It’s dangerous to remain a "spiritual baby." If all you do is eat what others feed you, you eventually become full and stagnant.
You have to learn to grab the spoon and pull up a seat to the table yourself. How are you supposed to grow if you always hand the responsibility to others?
"The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple" (Psalm 119:130).
4. Are You Simply Lonely and Friendless? 🏝️
Are you living as a "lone island," or are you actively involved in God’s work? Whether it is through your local church or fulfilling the Great Commission in your own neighborhood—you have to have purpose.
Isolation is a fun place for the devil. This is exactly why Jesus gave us our mandate. If you feel like you have no personal vision or direction, find one worth attaching yourself to.
"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly..." (Proverbs 18:24)
5. Are You Picking and Choosing Your Obedience? ⚖️
When life feels "off" or your mind feels "chaotic," it is often an indicator that you are out of alignment. Ask yourself: What was the last thing God told you to do? Are you doing it?
If you aren't, that is likely why you are struggling. People often ask for prayer for problems that actually require a "decision." Remember, delayed obedience is still disobedience. The peace of God is not found running from the will of God.
"Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble" (Psalm 119:165)
"The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." (Romans 8:6)