When we get deceived, we go far away from God, but still think we are with Him. We don't realize it till we spend quality time in the presence of God. That's why it's called deception.

Jeremiah, the prophet, lived in a time of great spiritual depravity. Israel had gone berserk after having turned away from the Lord. Their disobedience to God led them to mingle with the world and lose their spiritual grounding. Merciful as God is, He raised Jeremiah to prophecy. So the people of Israel return to Him. 

Why did Israel turn away from God? They did not recognize how deceitful the heart of man is (Jeremiah 17:9). The heart is deceitful and gets carried away if not guarded or taken care of. 

How to guard your heart and stay aware of deceptive tricks of the devil?

Trust in God (Jeremiah 17:7,8). When we trust in God, we become like the tree planted by the riverside (Psalms 1:1-3) and bear fruits. Come recession or famine, those who trust in God stay protected under the shadow of His wings. Trust in the word of God. Trust everything about God.

We stay in a cursed state when we do not trust God (Jeremiah 17:5). We become victims of our ways. We fail to receive the blessings of God, driving ourselves to discouragement and depression. (Psalms 1:4-6)

Believers who remain depressed or discouraged are those who are in a deceived state. No deception can overcome a child of God who trusts in God. Keeping the word of God in our hearts keeps us away from deceptive thoughts or words. 

A closer walk with Jesus will keep you rooted and grounded. No false Jesus will be able to deceive you.

Are you discouraged? Call out to God. He will hear you. Return to the first love, faith, and hope. Maranatha, Praise God, and Amen.