Voldemort and Satan

Luna Lovegood: [My father and I] believe you, by the way. That He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is back, and you fought him, and the Ministry and the Prophet are conspiring against you and Dumbledore.

Harry Potter: Thanks. Seems you're about the only ones that do.

Luna Lovegood: I don't think that's true. But I suppose that's how he wants you to feel.

Harry Potter: What do you mean?

Luna Lovegood: Well if I were You-Know-Who, I'd want you to feel cut off from everyone else. Because if it's just you alone you're not as much of a threat.

Like many people I've had my critiques of the Harry Potter movies over the years, but this was one added part that I liked (at least I don't remember it being in the book). As if being an angsty teenager isn't enough, Harry had the Ministry of Magic and the Daily Prophet fighting against him for a year. This was only a few months in and he was already feeling worn. While it wasn't necessarily in the book, I'm sure Voldemort would revel in the lack of faith Harry seemed to have in his own cause at this point. After all, loneliness is powerful.

How many times do you get discouraged in life? Lonely? Sad? While it's not necessarily Satan's end game, discouragement and loneliness certainly makes it easier. If I feel lonely, it makes it easier for Satan to tempt and corrupt and discourage.

"He seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." (2 Nephi 2:27)

But the scriptures teach us that we're not alone. Instead, we've got evidence that we have countless allies cheering us on, supporting us, and fighting for us.

"And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." (2 Kings 6:16-17)

Next time you feel lonely, remember that you're not alone. Don't get discouraged. Don't give up. Hang onto your faith.