The Calm Before the Attack: Why You Must Stay Spiritually Awake

One of the most subtle dangers in the Christian walk is the false sense of security that comes when everything seems to be going right. The storms have passed, prayers are being answered, healing has come, and life feels manageable again. But that’s exactly when Scripture warns us to stay on guard. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NKJV). This command to be sober and vigilant isn’t just for times of trial—it’s for every season, especially the peaceful ones.

In the Bible, this particular mention of sobriety is about spiritual clarity (according to the original Greek text). It’s about being free from the intoxication of pride, comfort, distraction, or the illusion of self-sufficiency. It means having a sound mind, able to discern truth from lies, and awake to the spiritual realities around you. Vigilance is about watchfulness—being alert and prepared, like a guard on duty at night. When things are going well, it’s easy to fall asleep at the post. We think, “I’ve made it. I’m good now.” But that’s often when the devil begins to prowl more quietly a he sets up his next trap, knowing we’re no longer watching the gate.

The Bible is full of examples of people who fell not in hardship, but in good times. David fell into sin with Bathsheba not during war, but during a season of rest and idleness (2 Samuel 11:1-4). Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, was led astray in his later years not by poverty, but by luxury, relationships, and complacency (1 Kings 11:1-6). These are warnings to us. Peace is a blessing, but it is not a pass to become spiritually lazy. When our hearts are lifted up, we are often most at risk of forgetting the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:10-14).

To be biblically sober is to remain grounded in truth—sober in thought, steady in faith, and anchored in Christ. It’s recognizing that spiritual warfare doesn’t pause because your calendar is full of good things. The devil doesn’t care that your life looks stable on the outside—he’s looking for an unguarded heart, a dulled spirit, or an attitude that says, “I don’t need to pray as much anymore.” But we never outgrow our need for Jesus, for His Word, for the armor of God , or for humility. Ephesians 6:10 says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

If you’re in a season of rest and blessing, show your gratitude to God and praise Him for it. Rejoice. Celebrate His goodness. But don’t put down your sword. Stay sober. Stay vigilant. Keep your heart close to the Shepherd, because even in green pastures, the lion still roams nearby. The ones who walk in lasting victory are those who know the battle continues long after the storm has passed—and choose to keep standing, eyes open, heart prepared, and spiritually watchful.

Be blessed and bless God!