James 4:6-10 (The Passion Translation) says, “6But he continues to pour out more and more grace upon us. For it says, God resists you when you are proud but continually pours out grace when you are humble.” 7So then, surrender to God. Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will turn and run away from you. 8Move your heart closer and closer to God, and he will come even closer to you. But make sure you cleanse your life, you sinners, and keep your heart pure and stop doubting. 9Feel the pain of your sin, be sorrowful and weep! Let your joking around be turned into mourning and your joy into deep humiliation. 10Be willing to be made low before the Lord and he will exalt you!”

The greatest life to live is a place where God’s grace is continually poured out upon you, and it can only happen when you are clothed with humility. This humility can only come from the presence of the LORD, knowing His greatness in your life. You have to surrender your desires to take up His desires, which only come through submission. Submission is not enslavement, but it is from a place of sonship. Your submission to the will of the Father is out of a place of love and gratitude. He will never force Himself on anybody, but as you are submissive to His will on the earth, He will surround you with His glory, which is true righteousness, love, joy and peace. It equips you to resist the devil. Resistance is not avoiding the devil out of fear, but it is standing up against him, causing him to flee in fear. Satan is not afraid of your successes and what you can do in yourself. He fears who you serve and what you are surrounded by. When you draw closer to God, He draws closer to you, and this is the very same God that devils believe and tremble (James 2:19). 

How do you draw closer to God? It comes through humility, pure worship and repentance. God is drawn to a heart that simply wants more of Him! And when you are surrounded by Him, you will never fear what may attack you. Your #1 defense against the enemy is not praying fancy words or preaching eloquent messages. It is drawing near to the LORD and allowing Him to fight your battles. He will do it if you let Him, and His peace will carry you through!