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I will ascend to heaven… (Isaiah 14:13, NASB)

Satan’s sin is that he wants to be God, the one in control.  How often do we fall into this trap without realizing it?  When we think we can lean on our own understanding and do things our own way we have taken the place of God on the throne of our heart.  The person who is poor in spirit knows from experience that he or she cannot call the shots; only God can guide the life down the path of His will, His good and perfect will.  Our prayer should be to allow the Holy Spirit access to our heart and impart change into our lives.  It may take some work, but it would be will worth it to submit to the Spirit’s work.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.  (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV)

I will rise my throne above the stars of God… (Isaiah 14:13, NASB)

Not only does Satan want to be God, he wants to be higher than God.  In other words, Satan thinks he could do a better job than the Creator and rule the creation in a manner that is above what the Lord is doing presently.  Pure arrogance is seen in all its self-destructive manner here.  Let us who are poor in spirit never long to ascend to the throne of God or rise above it with the attitude of our heart.

Talk no more so very proudly; let not arrogance go forth from your mouth, for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed.  (1 Samuel 2:3, Amplified)

And I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north.  (Isaiah 14:13, NASB)

Though it is hard to determine which mountain is being talked about here, the important thing to see is that this place is a holy place (as are most high places in writings from that era) in which God makes Himself known to His people.  Satan wants to be like the LORD and have a relationship with the people and will try to enter through any means possible, even to evade our thoughts during worship, prayer, and Bible study times as we all can attest to.  Satan shows his pride by trying to push God aside and to get us focused on something other than our Lord and Savior.

Pride removes focus from God and places it upon ourselves.  That is why Scripture commands us to humbly walk with Him (Micah 6:8).  Take care in guarding your heart in times of worship, prayer, and the study of God’s Word.  When your mind wanders to something other than the Lord ask the Father to help you focus only on Him (James 4:7).  Sometimes the temptation is strong to give your heart to circumstances or to focus on yourself, but He wants the throne and will gladly help you keep Him there if you ask.  Learn from the Enemy of our souls and humbly seek the presence of our loving Savior.