For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Ephesians 6:12-18

Dear God, before I can be reminded to make sure I’m wearing your armor (the Armor of God), it’s important to remember that I have to recognize the spiritual warfare around me. The attacks on our spirits. The real world beyond what we see. When I think of spiritual warfare I tend to only think of attacks on unity and relationships (and I think those account for most of the attacks), but I don’t think of just the way the demons will try to impact my thoughts regarding the physical challenges that come up like pandemics, financial struggles, etc. So what am I to do to combat these things? Well, I embrace:

• Truth – It’s amazing how hard this first one can be because my temptation is to believe truth the aligns with my selfish interests and reject truth that inconveniences me. It’s important to somehow have people around me who are comfortable speaking inconvenient truths into my life.
• Righteousness – Of course, there is none righteous, no not one. (Psalm 14:3) So that’s where I need to resist and do my best to keep myself pure and then put on my salvation for when I fail.
• Peace – This is the one that I maintain can only come through connection with the Holy Spirit. I cannot manufacture peace. I cannot will myself to it. It only comes (at least to me) through communion with the Holy Spirit.
• Faith – I’ve said for a long time that there is a fine line between living by faith and living in denial. Faith is showing up and doing the work everyday regardless of my planned outcome and trusting that you will do your will. My ultimate goals don’t matter. There are a couple of things that I pray for nearly every day that I see no evidence of coming to pass, but I keep showing up to pray for them anyway, and then the Holy Spirit gives me the peace I need to accept your outcome.
• Salvation – This is what covers my lack of ability to be righteous. Because I am not righteous. Oh, thank you for my salvation. Thank you for choosing to relate to me anyway. Thank you, sweet Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• Holy Spirit – Speaking of the Holy Spirit, I am sorry I still don’t acknowledge you like I should. You are where the rubber meets the road in my life. Thank you. You give me my love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness, goodness, gentleness, kindness, and self control. You are my minister. You are my counselor. You are God’s presence in my heart. Thank you for protecting me.

Father, be with me today as I go through this day. Give me my armor against the divisiveness and destructiveness of this world. I give you all the glory for everything in my life. I trust you. I live for you. And I promise to fight for the rights of others more than I will fight for my own rights–for your glory and your glory alone.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen