Do you ever notice that sometimes it seems as if you’re on a spiritual high? You’re tangibly feeling the presence of God, receiving fresh revelation, —the anointing is flowing like oil, and you’re clearly hearing the Lord speaking to your spirit. Then other times, it seems as though the heavens are brass, the oil has run dry, and if the anointing is there—you certainly can’t tell! You didn’t get a single goosebump during praise and worship. Not one tear dropped, not one hair raised. 

During those moments when the thrills of His glory have lifted, and you find yourself in a spiritual valley, you may be tempted to question what you encountered when you were on the mountaintop. You may be tempted by the devil to fear that what you experienced previously wasn’t real. You see, if we base our faith in our feelings, then our faith will fluctuate whenever they do.

When Satan came to tempt Jesus in the desert (Matthew Chapter 4:1-11) he said, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” The word, “if” is so subtle and so small, yet such a huge stumbling block to many, because in that one little word, one’s entire belief system can be shaken. This is why we must follow the Lord’s example and refuse to rely on our feelings or current experiences, especially when facing the temptation of doubt. 

Jesus responded, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4) Every time Jesus responded to the devil, He said, “It is written…” Jesus stood on the word of God, and we must do the same. It’s our sure foundation! It doesn’t matter what the circumstances are, or what the ‘ifs’ are, or how we are feeling in any given moment—the word of God must have the final say in every season of our lives. 

The following is a list of Scriptures that I would encourage you to read aloud and to confess over yourself and your family. Read them again and again until you sense faith and courage arising in your heart. This was the ammunition Jesus used against Satan in the wilderness (“it is written”) and it will be your strength as well:

IT IS WRITTEN: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).

IT IS WRITTEN: “He will call on me, and I will answer him” (Ps. 91:15).

IT IS WRITTEN: “The one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward” (Prov. 11:18).

IT IS WRITTEN: “If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” (Matt. 6:30).

IT IS WRITTEN: “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you” (Luke 10:19).

IT IS WRITTEN: “No harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent” (Ps. 91:10).

IT IS WRITTEN: “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all” (Ps. 34:19).

IT IS WRITTEN: “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up” (Jas. 5:15).

IT IS WRITTEN: “Cast your cares on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken” (Ps. 55:22).

IT IS WRITTEN: “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them” (Ps. 34:7).

IT IS WRITTEN: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this” (Ps. 37:5).

IT IS WRITTEN: “He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children” (Ps. 113:9).

IT IS WRITTEN: “His mercy endures forever” (Ps. 136:1).

IT IS WRITTEN: “We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor. 4:8–9). 

Source: (Adapted from Slaying Dragons. Chapter 3, pg. 58)

Study Further:

“But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬