They have oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me. Psalm 129:2
The older I get, the more I realize certain struggles are simply going to be life-long. Does this mean there is no hope? If I am going to fail in a particular area until the day I die, wouldn't it be easier to simply accept it? Should I merely give in and proclaim, "This is who I am. Deal with it!"?
Someone will never be better off by letting the enemy win. A life of poverty lived in the light is far better than a life of plenty lived in darkness. In the light, one can find joy - a contentment with being alive regardless of circumstance. However, one who stays in darkness will discover more gloom with every new day.
Can the darkness be satisfying?
You bet!
The enemy knows we wouldn't want it if it didn't. But can a man find contentment in the darkness? Can he reach that place where he is no longer controlled by his cravings? A place where there is enough?
Nothing in the darkness can fully satisfy like the Father.
Lord, I would like to say I will pick the light over the darkness every time, but I don't think it is possible. As long as we breathe air into these bodies, we will be confined by them. Our flesh will win out on occasion; that is life! But losing one battle doesn't mean the war is lost. Every day is new. No darkness from yesterday can survive in the light of today. No matter how long I am oppressed, I will not concede. You are Victory. I surrender to You!