Be Sober!

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 1 Peter 4:7

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8

The word sober is more often associated with the state of mind absent a controlled substance. In the Scriptures, the word sober comes from the Greek word ‘sophron’ and it means to be of a sound mind and self-controlled. It also means to be circumspect. Ephesians 5: 15-17 tells us: See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore ye be not unwise, but knowing what the will of the Lord is.

To walk circumspectly means to use due care and caution in how you live – the word circumspect comes from the Latin word circum (“around”) and specere (to look). It means “looking around”, being considerate of all factors and conditions that may affect your life. We are exhorted to be both sober and walk circumspectly and to know what the will of the Lord is. A sound mind will lead us to “look around” as we journey through life and to seek the Lord so that we know His will and can apply it accordingly. Why talk about sobriety? Because it is easy to become drunken on the things of the world. There is no shortage of things to feed the flesh and overindulgence is more often than not encouraged. But God wants something different for His people.

I haven’t been in a state of drunkenness since my pre-salvation days and I was one of those who associated sobriety with alcohol. But when the Lord led me into studying His Word on sobriety, well I sobered-up. I realized that while I was not drunk on substances, I was allowing my flesh to cloud my thinking and dictate my actions. I began to experience frustration and feel stagnant and wonder what was going on. I was not being watchful. Little by little the flesh would get in through my emotions, or distractions and well before I knew it, I found myself groping in the dark as one who had no light. But God is faithful. He would always bring me back into alignment by drawing me to the secret place so that He could minister to me in the place I was in. He is a good God for sure!

Here are some ways you can know that you need to sober up:

You give full vent to your emotions and are led by them

You become lazy, lethargic and lack the will and the energy to seek the Lord

You overindulge in carnal activities – watching tv, eating, shopping or being non-productive You are not receiving and hearing from the Lord

Fasting brings sobriety. When you devote yourself to prayer, fasting and consecration you snatch the proverbial keys to the car from your flesh and you let it know that the Spirit is driving. This allows you to reset and refocus on the things of the Spirit and to position your heart and mind to receive from the Lord. In your time with Him, He will lead you in all aspects of your consecration. Whether its a short punctuated fast or an extended one – no time with the Lord is wasted.

God is looking for a sober people in this hour. Those who will be disciplined, sober, watchful, circumspect and self-controlled. Overindulgence brings drunkenness – whether its alcohol, excessive eating, partying, shopping, even letting our emotions drives us – any way we allow our flesh to rule can affect our sobriety. Our ability to see and hear the Lord are diminished when we allow our flesh to lead us into drunkenness. We are not able to know the will of God for our lives and we are not able to hear His voice or discern His hand and His Presence. It is especially critical in this time of transition and reset that none is stuck or left behind on this leg of the journey. Things are moving and shifting, doors are opening and shutting and amidst the chaos and confusion, God is moving. Be watchful in this hour. Be alert. Discern. Focus on God and He will lead you through the dark spaces.

Scripture Study: 1 Peter 4:7, 1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 5:15-17