Shield of Faith

"Always hold in your hand the shield of faith to repel the flaming arrows of the devil." - Ephesians 6:16

Hardly a day passes in which someone or something doesn't upset us. Sometimes it's on a small level and sometimes it's on a huge level. We learn from Ephesians that the enemy, the devil, is constantly trying to bring us down. He uses people and obstacles to hurt us and depress us. All of these are flaming arrows thrown at us. But how do we choose to respond? I know people who become negative and attack back. In some cases, they respond to opponents with a punch or the finger, but God asked us to be equipped with the shield of faith in our hands. What exactly is the shield of faith? It means that the promises and glory of God should always be on our minds and lips so that these flaming arrows can't penetrate. When I receive news of a problem, I remember Paul's words: If God is for us, who could be against us? When I hear of something bad that happens, I remember that God promised to turn all things meant for our harm into a blessing. When I'm scared, I remember God's words from Isaiah: Fear not, for I am with you, for I am your God. When I'm feeling confused and tired, and am not sure what to do, I remember that the Lord is my shepherd. This is my shield of faith. The Lord's words are my protection. They guard off all of the attacks of the enemy, all things that try to bring me down, and by holding the shield close to my heart, I know that nothing can ever harm me or keep me from the love of Christ.

Today's Prayer:
Lord, clothe me in Your glory and protection. You are my Lord, my stronghold, my refuge. In You I put all of my trust. Guide me all the days of my life. In Your Name we pray, amen.