This Father's Day, our pastor spoke about the Armor of God. While he was speaking to fathers about leading and protecting their families, one thought stayed with me long after the service ended.
The Armor of God isn't just for fathers.
It's for every believer.
One thing he said that really stood out to me was that the Belt of Truth holds everything together.
Without truth, the armor falls apart.
In a world full of opinions, distractions, fear, and confusion, God's truth is what keeps us grounded. It reminds us who God is and who we are in Him.
He also spoke about the Breastplate of Righteousness.
So often we think of armor as something used to push people away, but that's not its purpose. The breastplate was designed to protect the heart.
Not to harden it.
Not to close it off.
But to guard what is precious inside.
As a single mom, I understand the temptation to build walls around my heart. Life has a way of teaching us to be cautious. Disappointments, struggles, broken relationships, and difficult seasons can make us want to protect ourselves from being hurt again.
But God never called us to build walls.
He called us to guard our hearts.
There is a difference.
Walls keep everyone out.
God's protection preserves what He is doing within us.
His righteousness protects our hearts so bitterness doesn't take root. So unforgiveness doesn't grow. So fear doesn't replace faith.
It reminded me of the verse:
"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." — Psalm 119:11
God's Word belongs in our hearts.
His promises belong in our hearts.
His truth belongs in our hearts.
When we fill our hearts with His Word, we have something worth protecting.
Every day we face choices about what we allow into our hearts and minds. We can allow fear, anger, and discouragement to settle there, or we can fill ourselves with God's truth.
The Armor of God is not about becoming stronger than everyone else.
It is about standing firm in the One who is stronger than us.
As single moms, we may not always have someone standing beside us, but we have a Savior who goes before us. He gives us His truth to hold everything together and His righteousness to guard our hearts.
So today, put on the Belt of Truth.
Put on the Breastplate of Righteousness.
Hide God's Word in your heart.
And trust Him to protect what He is growing within you.
With God, all things are possible!
Blessed Be The Gift