The Stockholm Effect

" The whole world and the circum-ambient atmosphere were filled with devils; not merely idolatry, but every phase and form of life was ruled by them. They sat on thrones and hovered around candles. The earth was literally a hell."- Adolf Harnack pg 81-82

"God's enemy seeks to  destroy humanity: not because he hates us but because he he hates God; he wants to destroy God. But since he cannot get at God, he goes after what God has made, especially human beings, made in God's image. He goes after what is closest to God's heart. Humans." pg 88

I find these both oddly comforting. I so quickly forget that I am not loved by this world. This world, my sin, does not love me, care about my well being, or want me to live in my true image. But how often do I cherish them? I forget that this world is still a house occupied by the strong man and that I live in it though I am on the side of the stronger man. I think I often run the risk of not giving enough credit to Satan's hold on this world, and when I do this I diminish the incredible victory that the stronger man achieves. If I do not fully appreciate the power of the strong man I cannot fully appreciate the power of the strongER man. Do I see this earth as a literal hell that God is conquering minute by minute? That is a lot to be impressed with and amazed at! I thank him for constantly breaking through and for always emerging victorious.