It’s Time to Free the Prisoner of War
Do you remember the Korean War? How about the TV show, “M*A*S*H?” Same war, from two different perspectives. I remember watching “M*A*S*H.” My dad remembered it from the other side of the war. This picture of my dad reminds me he was there. In fact, he was right in the line of fire. Under attack. Risking his life for freedom. Life is a war of sorts, and we are right there in the line of fire, under attack from the enemy. It’s time to put on the armor of God and prepare for the fight.
Time to Declare War
If you are suffering from depression, grief, anxiety, and/or loneliness, it’s time to declare war against your stronghold. A stronghold is a well-fortified place. That’s what depression is – a well-fortified prison. You are a prisoner of war, locked inside an invisible cell with no apparent way out.
What holds you in this prison? Your thoughts. The lies you believe. Fortunately, you can escape, but it will take everything you’ve got to break free. So, are you ready to break down the walls that hold you prisoner? Let’s declare war!
Fighting Fair
The expression, fight fire with fire, means to use the same tactics your enemy uses against you. The enemy is trying to control our mind. If the enemy wants to fill our mind with lies, we must fill our mind with truth to combat them. If we believe the lies the enemy places there – he wins. However, if we believe the truth of who God says we are – we win. We’re fighting a spiritual battle for control of our mind, and we need the right armor to win this battle.
The Armor of God
Not everyone believes in God. But, if you’ve already tried to fix things on your own, and you’re still miserable, maybe it’s time to try it God’s way. Besides, what do you have to lose? Ephesians 6:10-20 explains how to fight these spiritual battles by putting on the full armor of God, which includes:
Belt of Truth
A belt was the first piece of armor to be put on. Therefore, truth should be the first thing a Christian turns to in battle. Prepare for battle by growing in your understanding of the truth – God’s Word, and the example of Christ. Therefore, study what the Bible says about how God fights for you. Have faith that what God says is true, and the truth will set you free from the burden of sin!
Breastplate of Righteousness
A breastplate protects your vital organs – your very life. Because sin separates us from God, we must repent of any sin and be forgiven, then do what is right by obeying God’s laws. Therefore, when we live with sin in our life and fail to repent, we have removed the breastplate of righteousness God’s forgiveness provides, exposing us to dangerous attacks from the enemy.
Shoes of Peace & Preparation
Shoes provide stability and protection as we walk. Peace prepares us to stand firm, and stable, against any enemy. Therefore, when we put on our spiritual combat boots we are ready to go share the gospel with others, a task we know the enemy will violently oppose.
Shield of Faith
A shield protects us from the fiery darts of the enemy which often come in the form of negative thoughts, emotions, or fears. Have faith God is with you in battle. Sometimes, he calms the storm. Other times, he gets in the boat, holds us tightly, and fills us with hopeful thoughts, soothes our emotional reactions, keeps our focus on his ability to overcome, and calms our fears. Strengthen your faith in God by learning more about his faithfulness and unfailing love.
Helmet of Salvation
A helmet protects our head. Our mind. Focusing on the hope salvation provides can protect us from the discouragement and despair living in this world brings. Therefore, trust God has a plan to save you from the enemy, and do not doubt it. Learn about God’s plan for salvation, and rest in the knowledge your future is secure.
Sword of the Spirit
A sword allows us not just to protect ourselves, but to fight back. The Bible is the truth we use to fight back. The truth breaks down lies. But, just as a soldier doesn’t pick up a sword and know what to do with it, we cannot pick up the Bible when an attack is already underway. We must study our tool, the Bible, so when we come under attack, God’s words are already available to defend ourselves. Study the Bible regularly, and use it to contradict the enemy’s lies.
Prayer
Prayer is a conversation with God. Listen to his battle plan, prepare for battle, and then go forward with God at your side. God already knows what you need, so just ask how he wants you to fight against the enemy you’re facing.
Are you ready to declare war against your depression? If so, put on the armor of God, then fight with the power of God at your side, to free the prisoner of war – You!
Need help implementing these self-care strategies in your own life? Check out my Joy Journal. It’s a combination planner/journal to help support attempts to manage your emotions and make positive habit changes.
Need inspiration and encouragement? Join me on Facebook on the Sadness to Joy page. That’s where you’ll find the daily encouragement and accountability you need to help bring your plan into existence.
What piece of God’s Armor do you need help putting on?
