Restless Devils

Pastor’s Epistle—January, A.D. 2015 B

Filling Your Skull

When God asks the devil what he’s been up to in the book of Job, the devil infamously replies, “Walking on the earth, to and fro, up and down.”

The devil’s dilemma, it seems, is that he can find no rest. Everywhere he goes, he is confronted by the fact that Heaven and earth are full of God’s glory. Nature reflects the beauty and holiness of her Maker, and so is not conducive to demonic repose. As Jesus said of Satan, “He walks through dry places seeking rest and finding none.”

There is, however, one place in Creation that can often become muddled and ugly enough for a devil to find some peace and quiet. That of course is the human mind. Being creatures of pure thought—or should I say, of impure thought?—demons have no trouble making themselves right at home within our worries, our doubts, our fears, and our pride.

New Year’s comes upon us like a breath of fresh air. Past the solstice, our days are growing lighter again. Past the hustle and bustle of Christmas Day, our lives and homes are growing calmer again. We love the holidays, of course, but the end of the year brings with it a host of stress. Opening fresh calendars in January gives us the same boost of optimism that we receive from a good night’s rest, or a fresh week’s start. We resolve anew to overcome our pride, avarice, envy, wrath, sloth, lust, and gluttony. Thank God!

But it isn’t enough simply to banish sin from our minds. Jesus warns that should a devil be driven from our heads, he may well return with company. And if he finds his former dwelling empty, the whole legion of fiends will move right back in again. We must strive not simply to expel wicked thoughts but to fill our minds and souls up again with what is good and true and beautiful. For indeed, God Himself is Goodness and Truth and Beauty, and whenever we encounter goodness and truth and beauty in this world we are experiencing some reflection of Him.

As we make our resolutions this year, shoring up our resolve to live healthier and happier lives, let us not ignore our spiritual and religious health. It is not enough to knock the devil out of one ear only to have him flit in another. We must fill ourselves with the Light that expels all darkness. Now what might be some helpful tips in accomplishing this?

I’m at the stage of life wherein large, sweeping resolutions prove counterproductive. If I’m going to make any sort of serious change, it will have to happen in small bites, a little bit each day. After all, what we do everyday matters more than what we do once in a while. My first recommendation, should you, dear parishioner, be so inclined, would be to try a daily devotional if you do not enjoy one already—preferably with family.

These may be found in print or online, some free and others for a reasonable cost. The best walk us through the entire Bible in a year or two, taking just 15 minutes or so per night. I know for a fact that many folks at St. Peter’s wish that we knew our Bibles better, but simply reading the Holy Scriptures cover to cover is understandably daunting. How much better to digest a little each day, along with prayer, reflection, and conversation.

Now I already have a reading plan that gets me through the Bible every two years, so for 2015 I’m tackling a different devotional that promises to get me through all of Shakespeare in a year, plays as well as sonnets. After all, art, poetry, and music may reveal God to us almost as powerfully as the Scriptures. For that matter, so does even a little time each day dedicated to prayerful meditation, contemplating the beauty of nature, or reaching out to friends and loved ones. Resolutions such as these prove a joy to keep.

So as we empty our heads of the demons accumulated throughout 2014, let us be sure to welcome Christ within us to take their place. Give the devil no rest in your skull, but drive him out to the dry places, with laughter, with Scripture, with Shakespeare, with joy. And may God bless us with a Happy New Year.

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Free Plan for Reading the Bible and Roman Catechism in One Year:
http://www.chnetwork.org/readguide04.pdf

Free Plan for Reading All of Shakespeare in One Year:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/251235931/Shakespeare-in-a-Year-2015

Subscribe to the Fellowship of St. James Daily Devotional Guide:
http://www.fsj.org/new/devotional-guide.php