“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).”

The lion pride is an efficient hunter. The lioness must hunt daily to feed the young who are just learning to hunt for survival. The lioness is an expert at using her surroundings to find the daily meal. She will seek out the lame, the young, the weak, the one who lags behind. Other times, several lionesses will team up to split the herd and separate the young from the protection of the mothers in the herd. However, what the lioness makes up for with speed and cunning, she lacks in strength and power. Alone she cannot take down the big meal that would last for several days or a week. When the male returns to the pride it moves from efficient hunter to a killing machine. The roar of the male lion spreads fear as far as the roar can be heard, about 10 miles. The power and strength of the male means now the pride can take down the water buffalo or other large game.

So, it is with Christians in our fight against the enemy of our souls. He hates God and is God’s archenemy. It also means he hates God’s people.

While Satan has no power against God, he does what he can to harm God’s people. When believers feel alone, weak, helpless and cut off from fellowship with other Christians, they become so focused on their troubles they forget to watch for other dangers. It is in those times that believers are especially vulnerable to the attacks of Satan, which come in various forms, often aimed at a specific weakness — fear, temptation, loneliness, worry, depression or persecution.

Like the herd of water buffalo that surrounds the young to protect them from the hungry lion, so we must be with Christians who are weak, suffering, depressed or filled with anxiety.

Take heart! You are not alone. There is a God who is bigger than all of your trouble.

“Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).”

As we approach Easter, I encourage you to find the church of your choosing and enjoy the fellowship, encouragement and love that can only be found in the church. To the glory of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Amen. See you in church.

Guy Briddle is the pastor at First Christian Church in Dowagiac. He can be reached at fccpastorguy@gmail.com.