Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
1 Peter 5:8-10

The Bible tells us that there is no temptation that God will not help us through. But how exactly do we overcome temptation and choose God’s way?

First, we need to understand the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 16:6 says, In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil. When your eyes are focused on God and His goodness, it is easier to turn away from temptation and sin that the enemy throws your way. Aligning your heart with His allows you to love what He loves and see sin the way He does – painful, addicting, and a separation from His love.

Fear, or reverence, of the Lord comes in two ways. We grow in the fear of the Lord as we begin to obey Him. As you follow His will for your life, you will see His faithfulness and goodness and recognize His power at work. Secondly, put your focus on eternity rather than the temporary things of this world. God is not worried by worldly concerns – His attention is on eternity. Give these concerns to God, and fix your eyes on building His Kingdom here!

God will always provide an escape from the traps of the enemy. He will never leave you, but know that something is required of you in order to escape – the enemy will only flee if you resist him. Set your spirit in the fear and ways of the Lord and your eyes on eternity with Him. The enemy cannot steal the peace of God from your heart when you are focused on Jesus!