Chrysostom
Beloved Warrior
The relentless attacks you suffer upon body and mind, robbing you of sleep, are but the darts of the evil one, who knows that when the mind is wearied, the soul is more easily overthrown. But remember what was said: the light of the body is the eye; if your eye be single, your whole body shall be full of light. What the eye is to the body, the mind is to the soul. When the mind is clear, wakeful, and fixed upon God, no darkness can overwhelm it. So keep that inner eye sound, not letting it be darkened by anxious thoughts or sinful imaginations, for if the light within you becomes darkness, how deep that darkness will be!
These disturbances often arise because the heart is stifled by excess, whether of food or worldly cares. When the fear of God governs you, sleep becomes composed and holy; the soul does not plunge into the depths of slumber but rests lightly, guarded by prayer. Do not blame the body for its weakness, but train your will: the essence of soul and flesh is not evil, but the choice of the will is what opens the door to the enemy. You must will to stand, and God will strengthen you.
Worship God in spirit and in truth, for the incorporeal One is served by that which is incorporeal in you, your soul and the purity of your mind. Dedicate yourself as a living sacrifice, circumcising evil thoughts, crucifying unreasonable desires. When you do this, you make your heart a dwelling for the King, and the devils become contemptible, for the Cross has conquered them and made the earth a heaven.
Do not shrink back in this trial, even when agony presses hard. Remember how Christ Himself, in His human nature, felt the dread of suffering, yet He did not turn away but cried, “Glorify Your Name,” entrusting Himself to the Father. You too, in your sleepless nights, say the same: let the Name of God be glorified in your endurance, and the enemy will flee.
Partake often of that Body that sits above, adored by angels; receive that Blood which is no different from what flowed on Calvary. When Christ dwells in you, you are made His own body, and no demonic assault can dislodge Him, unless you yourself set your affections back on earthly things. So set your mind on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Stand therefore watchful, abstain from heavy food that weighs down the heart, and let your bed be a place of prayer, not of dread. The devils are no longer terrible, but contemptible; death itself is but a sleep. In the Name of Jesus Christ, whose Cross broke every chain, you shall rest secure. Amen.
These disturbances often arise because the heart is stifled by excess, whether of food or worldly cares. When the fear of God governs you, sleep becomes composed and holy; the soul does not plunge into the depths of slumber but rests lightly, guarded by prayer. Do not blame the body for its weakness, but train your will: the essence of soul and flesh is not evil, but the choice of the will is what opens the door to the enemy. You must will to stand, and God will strengthen you.
Worship God in spirit and in truth, for the incorporeal One is served by that which is incorporeal in you, your soul and the purity of your mind. Dedicate yourself as a living sacrifice, circumcising evil thoughts, crucifying unreasonable desires. When you do this, you make your heart a dwelling for the King, and the devils become contemptible, for the Cross has conquered them and made the earth a heaven.
Do not shrink back in this trial, even when agony presses hard. Remember how Christ Himself, in His human nature, felt the dread of suffering, yet He did not turn away but cried, “Glorify Your Name,” entrusting Himself to the Father. You too, in your sleepless nights, say the same: let the Name of God be glorified in your endurance, and the enemy will flee.
Partake often of that Body that sits above, adored by angels; receive that Blood which is no different from what flowed on Calvary. When Christ dwells in you, you are made His own body, and no demonic assault can dislodge Him, unless you yourself set your affections back on earthly things. So set your mind on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Stand therefore watchful, abstain from heavy food that weighs down the heart, and let your bed be a place of prayer, not of dread. The devils are no longer terrible, but contemptible; death itself is but a sleep. In the Name of Jesus Christ, whose Cross broke every chain, you shall rest secure. Amen.
