“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” ~ 2 Corinthians 10:5
Taking every thought captive includes guarding against the lies of the enemy. Oh boy, do I need to practice applying the helmet of salvation to my mind. Anybody else feel the same way?
Some days I hear the same old tapes playing over and over in my mind. It’s the strangest things that start them rolling. Applying lipstick from a tube. A comment about thick eyelashes. The word “papyrus”. Washing down the counters. Shelling and eating peanuts. McDonalds. Driving along a familiar street. Spending time with unsafe people. And the upcoming holiday season.
Why is it so easy to believe the lies that Satan whispers in our ears? Oh, unkind, mocking, thoughtless words and/or actions from someone in our lives started the ball rolling, but the enemy gleefully takes those words and builds an entire game plan to take us down. Bullets crafted to inflict the most possible damage to our very souls become imbedded into our thought life.
Guess what? Science has proven that negative thoughts actually work a physical change in our brains, eventually causing physical problems throughout our bodies. (For more info, check out the research of Dr. Caroline Leaf.)
Which brings me back to putting on the helmet of salvation:
“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…and take the helmet of salvation…” ~ Ephesians 6:13, 17a
Did you know that the helmet is a key piece of God’s armor??
“He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head;” ~ Isaiah 59:17a
If the Creator of the universe modeled this armor–and handcrafted it personally to perfectly fit on His children–shouldn’t we be wearing this armor that we already have in our possession?
I just finished up a Bible study with a beloved friend. I so appreciated Priscilla Shirer’s insights in The Armor of God.
For instance, “Salvation is not just about redemption. It is also a defensive, protective device. Salvation was meant to implement an entire new way of thinking into your life…Salvation is about your identity. It’s who you are in Christ.”
When we apply the truths of God’s Word in our lives, strongholds are torn down, and Satan’s lies are replaced with what God has to say about us.
And what does God say about us, you ask? I’m so glad you asked! Here is just a small sampling of what He says about you and me:
* We have peace with God (Romans 5:1)
* We are not condemned by God (Romans 8:1)
* We are justified (Romans 5:1)
* We are tenderly loved by God (Jeremiah 31:3)
* We are blameless and beyond reproach (Colossians 1:22)
* We are chosen by God, holy and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12)
* We are free from any condemning charges against us (Romans 8:31)
* We cannot be separated from the love of God (Romans 8:35)
Check out Priscilla’s blog here for the full list of who you are in Christ!
So, when those tapes (I know you have some, too: I’m not good enough. I am unloved. I am worthless. People laugh and think I’m a mistake. Etc…) begin to play, crippling your heart and turning your thoughts to despair, remember how very loved and wanted you are by God. Guard against the lies of Satan. And live in the freedom that our salvation brings us.
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” ~ Romans 8:1-2
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” ~ 2 Corinthians 3:17
“But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:8
Desiring to Walk Humbly with My God 