Defense! Defense!
We all know what that rallying cry means – protect your position. How do we accomplish that?
Let’s start with a basic warrior wardrobe. Ephesians 6:10-16 talks about the armor of God and lists each piece. Top to bottom, they are the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the shoes of the gospel of peace, and the shield of faith.
Notice a missing piece? The sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon listed here, so we’ll discuss it later. Right now, the defense is in the spotlight.
When you’re under attack, what defensive weapon should you use? Well, that depends on where the attack is focused.
Having problems with negative or self-destructive thoughts? Utilize the helmet of salvation. Remember, salvation is a whole lot more than “fire insurance”. The term salvation includes healing, restoration, strength, wholeness, forgiveness . . . you get the idea. Declare aloud that your head and your mind are covered with the helmet of salvation. Say the words of Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me” declares the LORD (NASB). Personalize it, saying me or your name in place of you.
The breastplate of righteousness covers your heart. When you struggle with feelings of inadequacy, shame, fear, or any other emotions or desires you know are not from God, declare that your heart is covered with the breastplate of righteousness. Don’t worry about feeling unrighteous. “He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NASB) We don’t have to earn righteousness. Christ has already made us righteous in Him.
Trouble believing the truth of what God says? Since “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19, NASB). God has not and will not lie to you. Cinch that belt of truth a little tighter, and declare truth from scripture or from the rhema (personalized) word you have received directly from God. Let that truth take root in your heart and mind. Add the helmet of salvation to the defense arsenal. Lack of belief does not negate the truth; it only 
makes it tougher to receive.
Has your peace flown the coop? (In the Eye of the Hurricane). Re-tie those shoes and ask God to restore your peace, just as He did for David. Psalm 23 is a marvelous testament to God’s provision of peace: He restores my soul . . . I fear no evil . . . He prepares a table for me in the midst of my enemies. Sounds like a peaceful existence to me! The Psalms are full of praises to God for His peace.
The shield of faith is certainly an all-purpose weapon. With it we can “extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16 NASB).
Next time we’ll begin discussing offensive weapons. There are more than you might think!
Part 2 of a series on warfare
Part 1| This Means War!
all illustrations courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net