How to Have a Healthy Hope and a Happy Heart as Halloween Hastens: Truth 3

There was a period of time when I was plagued by a recurring thought. It wasn’t based on truth, and it wasn’t honorable. I struggled with it for several days, trying to take it captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and replace it with pure, admirable and praiseworthy thoughts (Philippians 4:8). Finally, I reached out to a mentor for support.

She suggested I sing worship songs out loud whenever the thought came to mind. I asked her why, and I will never forget her answer. “Because Satan hates being reminded that he is not the object of your worship, and he will get tired of pestering you when praise to Jesus is that is all he gets in return.” Boom!

^{Photo by Gustavo Fring}
Remember the Greatness of God!

The Halloween season gives us a reason to sing!

There are many opportunities to misplace our adoration and adulation at this time of year. I suppose that is true year-round, but for some reason, it is expected in October. Even many Christians temporarily ‘step out’ on their position as the bride of Christ to flirt and dance with the dark side at Halloween.

It can be more difficult than ever to keep our minds focused on things which honor our King, when so much that comes at us does not. Our senses are inundated with representations of things which vie for our hearts and attention. This is why I believe Halloween, more than any other season, gives us a chance to sing faithfully and loudly to our God.

Photo by Polina Zelenina
Sing, dance and worship Jesus!

When we feel oppressed

Christians, especially those who don’t participate in Halloween, can feel oppressed in spirit this time of year. One reason for our oppression might be disappointment with the homage paid to evil. Another could be the very real clash between the Holy Spirit in us and the spirits who oppose Him. Whatever the reason, singing songs of worship to our Savior will remind us of His greatness. It may also convince any darkness present that it would prefer to leave.

“Your Great Name” is one of my favorites in moments like these. It is a battle cry of most soothing sorts.

Lost are saved, find their way, at the sound of Your great name
All condemned, feel no shame, at the sound of Your great name
Every fear, has no place, at the sound of Your great name
The enemy, he has to leave, at the sound of Your great name

Jesus, worthy is the lamb that was slain for us, son of god and man
You are high and lifted up, that all the world will praise Your great name
Oh, Your great name

Redeemer, my healer, almighty
My savior, defender, You are my king
Your Great Name, song sung by Natalie Grant

When we feel tempted

Let’s be honest – it is hard to be left out. People have parties which we don’t feel we should attend. There are costume contests with tempting prizes, for which we cannot compete. And what about our kids? How do we explain to them that much of what their friends are watching, doing, and celebrating isn’t honoring to God? It sure is tempting to compromise.

^{Photo by Andrew Neel}
It is tempting to compromise when we feel left out.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13

This verse reminds us that God is with us, and He cares. He knows we are tempted, and He isn’t mad. In fact, He’s helping and providing a way of escape. We can sing to that!

God of salvation
You chased down my heart
Through all of my failure and pride
On a hill You created
The Light of the world
Abandoned in darkness to die

And as You speak
A hundred billion failures disappear
Where You lost Your life so I could find it here
If You left the grave behind You, so will I
So Will I (100 Billion X), song sung by Hillsong United

When we feel ashamed

Shame is hard to carry. Our enemy would have us believe it is our cross to bear. Precious friend, please hear me. He is a liar and you do not have to bear the burden of shame. At Halloween, we may come face to face with demons we’ve courted in the past. We may even feel comfort in the shadows, like we belong there. But if you are a child of God, this is false.

^{Photo by Yulia Polyakova}
Shame vs. Conviction

The Holy Spirit will convict you. This conviction comes with the desire and the means to change. Conviction is a path to freedom vs. the confinement of shame. Praise and worship provide the perfect realignment for when we feel ashamed.

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just want to praise you
I just want to praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise you
I'm gonna praise you
Shackles (Praise You), song sung by Mary Mary

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^{Photo by Andrea Piacquadio}
Lord, You are worthy to receive glory, honor and praise!

There is nothing like songs of praise and worship to God to renew our healthy hope and happy heart as Halloween hastens. What is your favorite worship song? Please put it in the comments. Let’s create a playlist for the season!

Click here to read the Introduction to this series.