Hanna

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalms 34:18).

Are you afraid or anxious about circumstances in your life? The enemy wants you to feel these things, but God says in His word, in one way or another, "Do not be afraid." David wrote many of the Psalms from feelings of fear when he was running for his life from King Saul who was out to kill him. Yet he wrote, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). Yes, God saves us when we are at the point of despair. He forgives us for our poor choices, takes away our guilt and shame, and gives us a robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).

When Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, he said, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:10-13). Then Paul identified the armor: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. In addition to all this, he said to pray on all occasions.

Jesus is Our Protection

At the moment Jesus saved us and gave us the robe of righteousness, he also equipped us with His protection. He is the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. He promised He would always be with us, and He would never leave us or forsake us. With Jesus as our partner, we experience faith over fear. We can be strong and courageous, and we can accomplish the mission for which God has called us.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for saving us and equipping us to overcome fear and despair. Empower us to share what we have with others, so they will also be clothed in righteousness and equipped to withstand the schemes of the devil. In Christ's precious and powerful name, Amen.