Thanks, Jesse, good thoughts indeed.
5:8-11 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word.
I highlighted the part that, I felt, was the most pertinent in the situation I described in my OP. It really did feel as though I got caught napping. I think I became a little complacent for a while, there, not gonna lie. Just one more reminder of the fact I need to depend on Christ always.