Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist...
A soldier's belt was an essential piece of military equipment. The belt was crafted of tough leather strips and small brass plates for extra protection. Wrapping about the waist, this leather belt clung closely to the soldier and shielded some of the most vulnerable areas of the body. When preparing for battle, a soldier would put on his belt first. The belt was designed to keep other pieces of the soldier's armor in place, including his sword. The soldier would also wear a tunic, which was a cloak worn over a short kilt or skirt. Prior to engaging in combat, the soldier would tuck his tunic under his belt, providing maximum freedom of movement for his legs.
The call to have the belt of truth buckled around your waist is a call to be prepared. As good soldiers of Christ, we are to be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks the reason for our hope. Also, we are to be sober and spiritually vigilant so we are aware of the enemy when he prowls around.
To be girded with truth is to be firmly established in the truth of God's Word. God's word is truth and is therefore foundational to all the other pieces of spiritual armor. Secondly, to be girded with truth is to be truthful, genuine, and sincere before God and others. This involves not allowing deceit and unconfessed sin to separate you from fellowship with God. It also involves being a person of integrity. By abiding in the truth, walking in truth, and speaking the truth, you will be spiritually ready in every circumstance.
Satan attacks truth with lies, for he is the father of all lies. He especially focuses on attacking God's promises. If the enemy can get you to doubt God's integrity and love, he has achieved his goal because from there you become discouraged, confused, defeated, and ultimately indifferent to life.
When you find yourself being attacked with lies, start speaking the promises of God's Word. If or when you stumble into unbelief, open your heart to God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. Don't let guilt or the devil's accusations keep you away from God. Instead, repent, get back on track, and "tighten" your belt with the unchanging truths of Scripture. The Bible tells us that it is "impossible for God to lie" and that the hope He offers is "an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast" [Hebrews 6:18-19].
Prayer: My Loving Father, I thank You for Your Word which is truth. The more I spend time with Your word, the stronger my foundation and my understanding of You and Your unfailing love. I pray, Father, for a continued desire to spend time with Your word, and for understanding and revelation as I read or hear Your word. I pray for the ability to discern the enemy's attack of Your word and Your promises, that I may be able to resist and counterattack with the truth of Your word. In Jesus Name, Amen.
One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Oct. 09 2010 - Haggai 1-2 (OT), 1 John 2 (NT).
God’s Love and Mine…
