Spiritual Warfare & The Holidays: When Satan Tries To Steal Your Peace

The holidays promise joy, gratitude, and connection. Yet, many people feel tense, overwhelmed and stressed – maybe you feel a lot of anxiety, or you’re fearful of old arguments resurfacing, or you feel a heaviness that contradicts the season's joy. This isn't just "stress." Often, it’s a sign that the enemy is escalating spiritual warfare, targeting our families precisely at the time of year that most people desire greater peace and unity.

If you're feeling this way, you're not imagining it. And more importantly, you're not powerless. The answer isn't found in everything going perfectly your way or having a flawless family, …because that’s not real life. The answer lies in a prepared heart. Spiritual warfare requires spiritual readiness, and that starts in the quiet moments when you first wake up before your day even begins.

Imagine starting your day—coffee or tea in hand—with a simple, visual reminder to spiritually suit up in the full armor of God. Before you even check your phone or review your to-do list, you start fortifying your heart and mind for whatever the day may hold. This kind of intentional, prayerful preparation is your first line of defense. And my ARMOR Of GOD DEVOTIONAL MUG is a visual devotional tool I created to help you. Being aware of the enemy's tactics is how you position yourself to stand firm – even during spiritual warfare. 

Here are 3 common spiritual attacks that believers go through during the holidays and how to build a practical, prayerful defense against them.

1. The Enemy May Try To Attack Your Peace Through Overwhelm & Strife.

The chaos of schedules, financial pressure, and packed calendars can swiftly replace God’s peace with stress and anxiety. Small disagreements blow up, leaving everyone on edge.

Your Defense: Proactive Peace. The battle for peace is won before the chaos starts. Create a morning ritual that anchors you. Find a tangible reminder—perhaps a specific verse on your fridge, a prayer card, or even a special mug you set out the night before—to prompt you to pray for God's peace over your day, your home, and your interactions.

I created the ARMOR of GOD mug for this exact purpose: to be a devotional tool in your hand. As you sip, you can visually and prayerfully engage with each piece of spiritual armor printed on the mug (Ephesians 6:10-18), starting with the shield of faith against the arrows of worry.

Combine this with declarative prayers, like those in my book Simple Prayers for Spiritual Warfare, to speak calm into the coming chaos.

In Simple Prayers for Spiritual Warfare you'll find pointed prayers to speak stand firm in your power and authority when warfare strikes, inviting the Prince of Peace to reign in your heart and home.

2. The Enemy May Try To Attack Family Relationships That Are In The Process of being Healed Through Old Wounds & Offense.

Family gatherings can be a minefield of past hurts. A careless comment, a remembered grievance—the enemy loves to re-open wounds to breed resentment and division.

Your Defense: The Breastplate of Righteousness & The Belt of Truth. Your morning devotional with the ARMOR OF GOD MUG prepares you for this. As you sip, prayerfully "put on" the breastplate of righteousness—asking God to guard your heart with His love and forgiveness. Then, tighten the belt of truth, choosing to see others through God's truth of grace, not the enemy's lies of offense. This daily practice equips you to be a peacemaker, responding with grace instead of reacting from hurt.

3. The Enemy May Try To Attack Your Joy Through Isolation & Discouragement.

For those who are grieving or you feel lonely, or you have stepped back from a family member for your own wellbeing, the season's cheer can feel fake to you. But remember the joy of The Lord, not the cheer of your circumstances is your strength The enemy whispers lies to try to make you believe that you're alone in your struggle, seeking to undermine your faith and reliance on God.

Your Defense: The Helmet of Salvation & The Sword of the Spirit. Here, is where the ARMOR OF GOD MUG reminds you of your unchanging identity and your powerful weapon. As you sip your morning beverage put on" the helmet of salvation—protecting your mind with the truth of your salvation, hope, and belonging in Christ. Look at the ARMOR OF GOD MUG and remind yourself to take up the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s Word, to declare His promises over your life.

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And remember you do not have to stand alone, you can come to CHURCH BY PHONE. I invite you to join our frontline of faith every Sunday with CHURCH BY PHONE—a live, interactive worship service and Bible study over a simple phone call.

It’s a powerful way to connect, gain strength, and remember you are part of God’s family that prays together. Refer to the flyer below for the phone number and start time

This season, turn your morning brew into your spiritual self-care time so that when warfare strikes you can stand firm.

Ready to Build Your Inner Armor?

1. Start your day shielded. Use the ARMOR of GOD Devotional Mug as your devotional tool to prayerfully suit up with each sip.

2. Be Warfare ready. Grab Simple Prayers for Spiritual Warfare for straightforward prayers that target these exact holiday battles.

3. Get refueled in your faith. Join us for CHURCH BY PHONE every Sunday.

4. Cultivate Robust Mental Wellbeing. Become A Wellness Club Member for ongoing group support and biblical mental self-care through our Members Only Wellness Call that takes place the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of every month