By: Kacie Starr Long
Growing up, the word 'funky' was a bad word in my home.
If something smelled rotten, or if someone had a bad attitude, we could creatively describe the odor or behavior...but we couldn't say 'funky.'
I realize not everyone growing up was barred from saying this particular 'f' word so it's probably not a big deal -- but for me, I have gotten great satisfaction saying the word.
In fact, I have been known to put great emphasis on the word.
"Whew.....that smell is fuuuuunky!" or "Man, that trash is funky, funky!" When I describe something as funky, that means the person, place or thing is very foul, and it's a warning to stay far, far away.
This is how I grew to describe the devil as funky.
Lately, I have been feeling overwhelmed and anxious about opening a new sewing studio in north St. Louis county. This has been a prayer of mine for a very long time, and while it is very exciting, there are lots of small and big tasks that need to be accomplished before we open in early 2022.
So I have found myself battling anxiety, heaviness, and oppression as I think through a multitude of steps between now and our Grand Opening day. For a moment, I considered not going to church because I felt so mentally drained, but then (thankfully) a moment of revelation, truth, and clarity illuminated my thinking.
Whose idea was it for me not to go to church?
Who would be happy if I did not go to church?
I knew that it was not God's intent for me to stay at home, isolated and unable to hear the preached word. It would only benefit Satan for me to remain home and continue to be inundated with feelings of anxiety and overwhelmingness. When I realized that this was Satan's plan and strategy to cut me off from the Word of God and to continue feeling lethargic, and overwhelmed; righteous indignation arose within me.
"Satan, you are a funky, defeated, foe!"
Yes, that's right friends! I called out Satan. As I said it over and over again:
"Satan, you are a defeated foe! You are a defeated foe! You are a defeated foe!" I felt my strength returning.
If you find yourself in this season feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, may I remind you who you are and who the enemy is not?
You are God's daughter and you are dearly loved by Him.
Satan was defeated when Jesus died and rose from the cross. God has given you the power and authority over the enemy -- and that includes feelings of anxiety, depression, and oppression.
Satan stinks, and his lies, imaginations, and the thoughts he loves to send your way stink as well. In fact, everything connected to him is malodorous (or in other words...funky!)
That Sunday morning, I jumped up and started preparing my way to get to church. I confessed scriptures. I cast my cares upon the Lord and I said aloud, "Satan, you are a funky, defeated foe and you will not steal my joy or rob me of my peace!"
We know that Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy but Jesus came so we can have an abundant life. If you feel in any way, that the enemy is trying to steal your joy, peace, or clarity of thought my prayer is that you will remember that God is for you and with you and He will keep you in perfect peace with your mind stayed on Him. Play some praise music, and/or reach out to a friend and ask her to pray with you, but whatever you do...don't let that funky, defeated foe isolate you or rob you of joy and peace.
This article was published in Jewel Warrior, a Christian women's online devotional. Please subscribe to receive encouraging devotionals each day from women from around the world.
Hi, my name is Kacie Starr Long. I am an author, speaker and I love to use my voice to point people to Jesus. When I'm not writing, I'm either working out at Orange Theory Fitness or sewing. God delivered me from food addiction and I have a sewing ministry for women who have been previously incarcerated and at-risk teens. I am the proud wife of Alfred T. Long, Sr and together we lead a non-profit that serves prisoners and their families. Connect with me at www.InspiredOverflow.com and via my YouTube page for more daily Christian teachings and encouragement.
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