“All who name the name of Christ need to watch and pray and guard the avenues of the soul, for Satan is at work to corrupt and destroy if the least advantage is given him” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 476).

When I read this quote, I went to my knees. I prayed for the Lord to search my heart. How sad I was to realize that an addiction had crept in over the past months, and it was allowing the enemy access. My addiction was news. Even though its negative effect on my spirit was overwhelming, I still struggled to release this habit to God. I kept justifying my indulgence. But in my heart I knew that, in order to experience peace in this stormy world, I would have to surrender it to the Lord. Yet I hesitated. Then I read, “Every Christian must stand on guard continually, watching every avenue of the soul where Satan might find access. He must pray for divine help and at the same time resolutely resist every inclination to sin. By courage, by faith, by persevering toil, he can conquer. But let him remember that to gain the victory Christ must abide in him and he in Christ” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 47).

When I finally gave my news addiction to God, I quickly realized I needed to give it to Him throughout the day. It was the only way I could experience victory. I Praise the Lord for the precious promised peace of Jesus that is replacing the turmoil that had festered in my soul!

Each day truly is a battle and a march. May we all be faithful sentinels watching, praying and guarding as the Lord leads to keep the devil from accessing the avenues of our soul.

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