We have all had our lives changed because of restrictions due to the spread of the Corona Virus. Tensions build up in the home when we don’t have the freedom we used to have. In a city in Northern Ireland the demand for rented homes according to an estate agent, has increased 50 %. There is not enough housing to meet the demand. It is caused by marriages breaking up. A new home is needed for the separated partner.

Why do we fight with one another, husbands against wives, children against parents? There is strife and no peace in our homes. It all becomes too much for the husband and father to look after and provide for his family. He is tempted to give up and leave. Why bother. His friend has left his wife and found another lady who agrees with him. “Why don’t I do the same. He is doing okay.”

The wife gives up trying to keep the family together. She complains “My husband never listens to me. He doesn’t understand. My children don’t listen to me! I hoped our lives would be better that this. I have done my best. I can’t go on any longer. All hope of things getting better is gone. I give up.”

Where is the love they had for each other at the beginning when there was only the two of them. They could have meals out together any time without arranging a baby sitter. They could have uninterrupted sleep. There were less bills to pay. No one else to disturb their peace.

The Word of God explains why all this is so. We fight not against each other but principalities and powers in heavenly places. Our husband is not the enemy. Our children are not the enemy. The devil and his fallen angels are the problem. He is at work to rob, steal and destroy our lives and families. He hates families.

All is not hopeless. There is someone who can help. There is a Redeemer. He understands the pressure we are under and he comes to set us free. His name is Jesus. He promises to care for us. He says he loves us. The Word of God says Jesus is the way the truth and the life. He came on earth to destroy the work of the devil,

When we believe in Jesus he sets us free from our sinful nature and then the evil powers of this world cannot hold us. Jesus begins to work in our lives to set us free from sins that have a grip on us. There is power in his name to deliver us from evil.

Isaiah says He was bruised for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquity and by his stripes we are healed. Jesus did it all when he died on the cross for us.

Psalm 103. Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
² Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits –
³ who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
⁴ who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.The devil tempts us to sin.

Don’t give up. Ask Jesus to come to help. He promises to forgive, heal and restore. He will come with his angels to save you. He is the Commander of the his heavenly army who will fight on your behalf the unseen rulers and authorities.