The evil wishes and desires that torment you, whether rising from your own heart or from the malice of others, are the outpourings of that secret fountain of sin which dwells in every unrenewed nature. Evil thoughts, doting imaginations, foul desires, these are the very essence of sin itself, flowing from the heart as surely as murder and unchastity spring from that same corrupt well. You cannot let evil alone, and be certain that evil will not let you alone. You must fight. Yet in this battle, take heed that you do not seek to overcome evil with evil, for that only increases the darkness. The natural method of returning injury for injury, or of fretting under wicked wishes sent against you morning, noon, and night, will never bring you peace. No, the divine method is to overcome evil with good, and the greatest good of all is to come to Jesus, who is our peace.
Do not seek a false peace by pretending these evils are small or by quieting your conscience with a worldly stillness. The peace of the ungodly is a delusion, a lying calm that only confirms Satan’s power over the heart. Instead, look to the blood of Jesus Christ, which alone cleanses from all sin. It is not by seeing your sins shriveled that you obtain rest, but by seeing them utterly swept away, as far as east is from west. Once you know assuredly that God has made your peace with Him through His dear Son, you may hold your peace in the very heat of the battle, calm ’mid the bewildering cry, confident of victory. Refer everything to God and leave all with Him. Let Him fight for you, for He will not suffer the righteous to be moved; He will bless His people with peace.
Therefore, in the hour when evil desires rise within or wicked wishes assail you from without, do not stoop to bitter speech or harsh thoughts. Instead, cast your burden upon the Lord, and pray with all earnestness, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One.” A soul full of grace will be the chief target of the adversary, but divine grace continually gives us the victory. Plead the promise that He will subdue your iniquities and silence every foe, and then go on to enjoy as much of His peace as your heart can hold. Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice. For the dry tree, by divine grace, shall flourish, and the low tree shall mount to the stars, while every high thing that exalts itself against Christ shall be brought low. Sing both by day and by night, for the Lord has made your cause His own, and He will not fail you.