Be Sober and Vigilant at All Times

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

In a shocking story titled “Runner brutally injured in dog attack at Forest Park” published over the weekend, it was reported that “Blood remains on the pavement in Forest Park, where a runner was brutally attacked by dogs. The St. Louis Track Club was on a regular run through Forest Park Wednesday when Dierdre Nunan says three dogs not on a leash ran after a 50-year member of the club who was alone along this stretch of road. “He said he could see them coming,” explained Nunan, who is the executive director of the St. Louis Track Club. “He looked up and the three dogs on top of the hill started charging him and there was nothing he could do.” According to Nunan, the runner sustained critical injuries on his body… The victim, who asked not to be identified, said the owner of the dogs—who has yet to be identified—used a baseball bat, hitting the dogs to end the attack. The St. Louis Track Club has been bringing thousands of runners to Forest Park since 1970, and on Friday, Nunan had a message for dog owners. “Don’t let your dog off the leash,” Nunan said. “You never know what’s going to trigger them, whether it’s a person or a car or a cyclist. I’ve been chased by a dog before and it’s a very scary situation to be in.’”

As someone who’s also been chased by a dog as well (one more than one occasion, and by more than one at a time), I’ll agree that it’s a very scary situation to be in. Which is the very reason that I’m alert and extra watchful when I’m out on my runs. I have learned to be ready! Whether I’m with a group or racking up the miles solo, I’m careful to pay attention to my surroundings. I even opted out of headphones years ago so I could better hear my surroundings and I began carrying an offensive weapon that I’m completely trained and ready to use. After all, as this story shows, trouble can come out of nowhere and come at us when we least expect it. 

“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14 NIV

This is exactly the way our adversary the devil works. He waits, sometimes masquerading as an angel of light to blend in and appear anything but dangerous (so be careful!), and then charges when the opportunity arises (which is usually when we’re alone). This is the very reason the Bible tells us to be sober and vigilant because our “adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” This sober and vigilant part means believers are to maintain a clear and level-headed state of mind, free from intoxication or mental numbness, and to be continually watchful and constantly alert to potential dangers or threats. It means staying mentally sharp and observant in a spiritual sense to guard against the attacks of the devil. It means being prayed up and trained up so we can be ready to yield the Sword of the Spirit (our only offensive weapon) when necessary and without hesitation. And we are to be ready at all times since our enemy “walks about” at all times. 

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” - John 10:10

Did you get that devour part? 

Furthermore, the Bible also tells us that the devil, or thief, does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. No exceptions! Are you seeing the pattern here? The devil hates us because he hates God and we were made in God’s image. Hence the reason he doesn’t look for opportunities to merely nip at our heels or inconvenience us. Like a lion on the prowl, our adversary waits and watches until we let our guard down… and then he pounces with the intent to destroy us completely with every weapon in his arsenal (lies, deception, despair, anxiety, pride, busyness, etc.). Did you get that destroy part? The devil wants to tear us down, demolish our families, dismantle our faith, shatter our witness, and completely annihilate us. He wants us gone!

So, knowing that we are never safe from the attacks of the enemy (whether we’re alone or in a group), don’t let your guard down for even a minute my friend. Stay sober. Stay vigilant. And stay ready to fight. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are to never, ever let our guards down. With that in mind Lord, help us to put on the full armor of God each and every day and to conduct ourselves as good soldiers of Christ that we might never fall prey to the enemy’s attacks. Father, we lift up the runner that was harmed in this attack and we pray for his healing and salvation. It’s in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!