Standing Guard Fully Armed

When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed. Luke 11:21 (New American Standard Bible)

We stand guard over things that are valuable, necessary, and important. Awareness and alertness is key. Often though, we are more inclined to guard our possessions than we are to guard our heart, mind, motives, and emotions. This was made apparent to me last night as I spoke with a friend. We discussed areas and issues that would most likely always be part of our life. While we certainly anticipate victory in those areas, we are both keenly aware of how the enemy of our soul will always seek to use them against us. Staying aware and on guard of that truth will do much to keep us from becoming disturbed and disheartened.

Ephesians 6:14-17 gives us a picture of the armor available and necessary for our daily living victoriously. We have the ability to live equipped and enabled as we walk fully armed with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, God’s word, prayer, and the Spirit. We have the call in Philippians 4:8 to think on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good report, excellent, and praise worthy. We have the wisdom to discern the tactics the enemy will use against us and to stop him from being successful. We have the responsibility to call him on every lie he throws at us and to speak the truth about God, ourselves, our circumstances, and the people in our life. We have God’s invitation to abide in Him and depend upon Him for every step we take. These are how we are fully armed and able to stand guard!

Last night, in the presence of a friend, I experienced delight and joy in full measure. It touched me deeply because it hadn’t been what marked my path for the past few years. God is letting me know this morning that it can become a way of life for me if I will stand guard and apply the truths He has shown me. I don’t have to be held captive by emotions and perceptions. I don’t have to dwell in pits of darkness. I got a taste of what is possible and I am craving more of the same.

I use to think being whole emotionally and spiritually meant I would never struggle again. That nothing or no one would be able to affect me in a negative way. How far from the truth that is! I now know that wholeness is having the ability and joy of doing the right thing when the negative effects of life are felt and experienced.

Father, You took me through the darkest valley of my life to bring me to the point of seeing the light of Your truth. With You, I choose to walk in that light. Amen.

The Battle Belongs to The Lord - Spiritual Warfare
http://youtube.com/watch?v=DMZ8D6nTKhg

I welcome your questions and comments to any devotional thoughts. I am honored and delighted to share my journey with you and privileged to hear of yours.