One of the most alarming sights to behold is the wolf entering the camp! I run as fast as my little sheep feet will carry me, fearful I won’t be in time…closer, closer, as close as I can climb…near to the Good Shepherd! Unfortunately, that felt way too close. In fact, since beginning my fasting preparation for Resurrection Sunday, I experienced too many such close calls. Even now, celebrating the momentous occasion of reaching 10 years of writing @thescarlettroad.com, the need for climbing near to the Good Shepherd heightens.

Without a doubt it is a spectacular time contemplating the difficult lifestyle of a Shepherd while vulnerable sheep are in his care. And for me, with the wolf at my heels there is no better safety net than right there by the Shepherd feeding on his words of truth that bring a sound mind back in line!

The adversary, the devil, aka the wolf, knows our greatest weaknesses and he knows mine is the mind. I am so easily frightened, though much time is spent in God’s Word, the moment I leave, I am wolf bait! Thankfully, the Shepherd is grooming me to automatically run for cover–under the shadow of His rod and staff–and take up where I left off: feeding and growing a healthy mind and seeing the Spirit of God renew my very thoughts. Yes, sometimes it seems tedious, and at times laborious, yet astonishingly change comes flooding in, and I rejoice in the Shepherd of the sheep Who puts up with me! So, I practice what James 4:7 teaches: Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Honestly, there have been times I thought “it is over; I cannot fight it any longer; I’m done”! But just in that moment I sense the voice of the Shepherd beckoning me on; and as I willingly take that step (running to the Good Shepherd) while yielding to His reign and rule in my life, spiritual nourishment puts in motion the devil’s flight out of my sphere!

Set your mind on the Spirit – and enjoy life and peace! Romans 8:6

Do not be anxious (about anything); instead, guard your mind! Matthew 6:25; Philippians 4:6-7

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” Isaiah 26:3.