I think it was one of those mornings when I just woke up on the “wrong side of the bed.”  The reality was that I hadn’t done anything to fight against it. I didn’t attempt to get up early for some much needed quiet time. I didn’t pray in the shower like I sometimes do. Instead I just had a spirit of irritability.

Ever been there?

It probably doesn’t matter what someone else does or doesn’t do…it wouldn’t be right regardless. Everything is annoying or makes you angry and it is hard to find joy!

I was just in that foul mood and surprisingly it took most of the day into the late afternoon before I realized that I had let the enemy run a muck in my heart. And when I became aware I was MAD.

Seriously, not again! What in the world is my problem?

Here I am almost 5 times through the reading of a book FOCUSED on prayer and the schemes of the enemy and I was walking around angry at the world and blaming them for my bad attitude.

Sometimes I want to give myself a good scolding.

I should know better, but here’s what I realized once again. I hadn’t been preparing myself for the daily battle. I wasn’t in communication with God. I wasn’t walking in Truth. I was floundering trying to control everyone and everything around me.

It is a humbling moment when you find yourself there once again. Once again Lord here I am so very sorry for my behavior and ready to start again.

Thank God for grace right?

In Ephesians Paul talks about how we should prepare ourselves for this battle we face against the enemy every day.

Ephesians 6: 10-18 says: ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”

What struck me most the first time I read this was “with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” The enemy is firing rounds at us ALL.THE.TIME. And they hurt, they burn! And if we aren’t prepared they will wound us.

It is not in my own might that I am able to stand against the enemy – but God’s. 

He is the one that will fight on my behalf, but I MUST take on His protection over me. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, being ready by the gospel of peace and the shield of faith,the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.

Man if I had put on even one of those things that morning, imagine how much differently it might have turned out!

And so, armed with Truth I can start my day over again. Seeking His protection as I walk this journey. Knowing that the enemy WILL come, but I don’t have to go into battle unprotected! Don’t forget friends that this is a spiritual battle. So often we try and handle things on our own with little to no success.

I don’t want anger and emotions to rule my day, but instead I want to be filled with the peace of God’s spirit. Don’t we all?!

Lord, we come to you weary from the battle. We confess that we have tried too often to fight by our own strength and we are beaten down by the enemy. Forgive us for not turning first to You Lord! Help us to each put on our armor, Your armor Lord that will protect us from all the enemy has to fire at us. Thank you for loving us so much that you protect and provide for us. Our hearts are ever grateful for new beginnings and grace. In Jesus Name, Amen.