December 13

Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. — Zech 3:1 BSB

It is Satan's goal to keep those who are securely in his grip undisturbed, and God often allows them to remain in that false sense of peace. But when Satan sees the work of grace in someone's heart—when he notices tears of repentance, hears the cries of a broken heart, sees knees bent in secret prayer, or overhears confessions of sin and struggles—his wrath is stirred. Fueled by hatred, he unleashes all his fury against those who are loved by God. He may try to lure them into sin, torment them with temptations, stir up rebellion in their hearts, exploit their doubts, or plague them with unfounded fears about their sincerity before God.

While those without God’s work in their hearts live without concern or fear, those whom God is transforming often struggle deeply. They may question if God truly delights in them. The hypocrisy of human hearts, the false security of outward appearances, the dangers of being deceived—these are not matters that trouble those who are spiritually dead. They are content to quiet their conscience with shallow efforts and are easily deceived.

But for the person who has a conscience sensitive to God’s fear, being a hypocrite before Him is terrifying. They dread holding onto a lie and being deceived by the enemy. Until God Himself speaks peace to their soul and grants them assurance of their place in Christ by pouring His love into their hearts, they will be tested and unsettled. They will experience ups and downs because they cannot be satisfied without a personal experience of God’s mercy.