comfort_zone

Not in His Comfort Zone
by Randall D. Kittle

“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, O Lord.” — Psalm 85:15

An interesting thing happened while my wife and I were going on our treks through the local state park, Rock Cut. One day, while returning from a quick stroll on the walking path that leads to the trails, we saw a garter snake in the middle of this broad, paved path. He was easy to spot with the near-setting sun still illuminating him clearly on this open area that had no cover. The snake appeared quite “uncomfortable,” and began to quickly slither away as soon as I bent down to get a closer look.

A few days later, while hiking on a narrow trail in the woods, we came across another larger garter snake. Coiled amidst a few leaves on the edge of this trail, he was difficult to distinguish in the shadows and we nearly missed seeing him at all. Once again, I bent over to examine the snake, but this snake didn’t seem to care nor acknowledge my presence at all. Even when I prodded him with a stick, all he did was contentedly sit there sticking out his tongue at me.

What a difference between these two snakes. One, out of his elements and in the light, seemed to tremble in fear at my presence and wanted to flee. The other, in his comfort zone of darkness and shadow, appeared unmovable and very much in control.

I believe this is also how it is for that old serpent Satan. When we walk in the light, his presence — his attacks — will only be quick and fleeting. But if we allow areas of our lives to have shadowy darkness, he will find them quite comfortable and resist our proddings for his removal.

If you are having trouble with the enemy in your life, let me encourage you to heed the complete advise of Romans 13:12. Not only should you “put aside the deeds of darkness,” but you undertake to “put on the armor of light” … begin to walk in the light. We can begin walking in the light of the Lord’s presence by first bringing any area of darkness into the light by repenting. Then we let the light of the Lord illuminate them afresh through reading God’s Word — the Bible, and gathering together with other believers for corporate gatherings or small groups.