READ: 2 CHRONICLES 32:1-22; MATTHEW 4:1-11

At one time in Israel’s history, the army of Assyria came to invade Jerusalem, and the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, was sure that this Israelite God would be as easy to defeat as the gods of the other nations surrounding it. He laid siege to Jerusalem, then used fear tactics. He sent threatening letters to King Hezekiah of Judah and sent officers to yell threats at the Israelites standing on the city walls, directly addressing the people in their own language.

Sennacherib did this “to frighten and discourage them in order that he might capture the city. They spoke against the God of Jerusalem like they had spoken against the gods of the peoples of the earth, which were made by human hands” (2 Chronicles 32:18-19).

Here’s some of Sennacherib’s long and pompous speech: “So now, don’t let Hezekiah deceive you, and don’t let him mislead you like this. Don’t believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to rescue his people from my power or the power of my predecessors. How much less will your God rescue you from my power!” (2 Chronicles 32:15).

King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah both sought God’s help, and the story has a wonderful ending. I hope you read it for yourself. But notice how the enemy used lies to terrify God’s people. Sennacherib wanted to “frighten and discourage them.” Their fear could have become so crippling that Sennacherib could easily have conquered them. Our enemy does the same thing today. Satan’s lies abound. We might feel like nobody cares or that we are all alone. But none of those things are true! We are treasured and loved by God, and He is always with us.

So how can we combat the lies? The best way to defeat the lies of the enemy is with the truth of God’s Word. That’s what Jesus did when His enemy tempted Him with half-truths (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus knew that He was going to defeat Satan through dying on the cross and rising from the grave—and He did! Today, we can know that if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, He is with us, and His Holy Spirit fills us with truth and hope in the face of the devil’s lies. Whenever we’re afraid, let’s look to Jesus. • Kristen Merrill

• How can things like memorizing God’s Word, talking with Him in prayer, and spending time with other believers help us remember the truth about who Jesus is and who we are in Him?

• When we fall for Satan’s lies, God has so much compassion on us. He always wants to forgive and restore us. What lies do you need to bring to Him today?

[Jesus said,] “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (CSB)