Tag: armor of God

I was able to get away by myself for a few days recently. I tell people it is my Jesus and me retreat.

After I unplugged mentally from work, I relaxed, hung out by the pool, and walked. I watched numerous sermons and listened to spiritually sound women on podcasts.

I worked some on the new business, slept when I needed to and prayed. It was a wonderful time. I literally and mentally was on top of a mountain.

My first morning at home though, the black dog of depression was waiting for me to open my eyes and just pounced.

Little things were irritable. I hated having to do everything. People annoyed me. Even Xena, the wonder dog, was not out of range for my hatefulness.

I knew what to do. I should put on worship music and pray. I should tell myself that I am the righteousness of Christ. I should tell the enemy that he has no right to my mind or my body.

But instead, I watched evil scenes on the television. I played mindless games on the iPad. I ate way too many potato chips. I wasted my time and put things into my mind and body that fed the depression and gloom. The darkness increased.

In Ephesians 6, Paul tells the church to put on all of the armor of God. Then we will be able to stand firm against all the schemes of the enemy. This increases the light.

The armor of God is everyday wear. It’s not something we take out when we go to another country on a missions trip. It’s not something saved to wear when a friend asks her community to pray for her wayward child.

No, it’s to be worn every day.

If you are trying to do every day by yourself or in your own strength, put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. Then grab that sword of the Spirit and stand firm.