“Evening wolves” ( Habakkuk 1:8)

All saints have their “evening wolves”. They may go for days, never doubting that God’s in control of their lives, but an unforeseen event can cause a nagging feeling, and instead of turning to the Lord, they start to doubt. Once the shield of faith is lowered, the fiery darts of the evil one can easily find a gap in their armor, and unless the saint quickly forces himself to believe, “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”, He can descend into a dark place. (Romans 8:28).

It’s best, the moment a dart hits, to bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).

One of the many reasons assembling with other saints is essential is for these times of doubt. Saints “consider one another in order to stir up love and good works … exhorting one another” (Hebrews 10:23–25). If the saint, despite how low he feels, goes to church at least once a week, the descent into depression can be checked before it goes any further. Your pastor can’t examine the health of the saints every week, but saints can also look after the sheep. “If a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness … Bear one another’s burdens”  (Galatians 6:1–2). So when you go to church, ask God to show you who to minister to. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).

When you lift the downtrodden, “It is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (1 Peter 5:4).