Troubled times

"But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
4I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain".  Psalm 3:3-4  CSB

Perhaps all of us have encountered, troubled times, especially when we are carrying out the work of God. Even, just the fact that we are Christian, can invite arguments or heated discussions from people who do not understand or just want to argue about: 'If God is Loving, why does He etc?' Just the fact that we come under attack, confirms that we are making some ground for God. The enemy leaves us alone when we are no threat to him. However, when we are moving forward in the Spirit, he has to do something to prevent us going any further.

Therefore, he has to take action and one of his tactics is to promote criticism from fellow Christians. If you're a church leader, the criticism may come in the form of, finding fault in your teaching, your sermon; that you should have done this or shouldn't have done that. Criticism may also come from family, friends or even neighbours. Or, you may even receive persecution from management at your place of work. It is all sent to wear you down and it is difficult to contend with. This can lead to a feeling of hopelessness.

Notice what David says in verse 3, 'But you, LORD, are a shield around me,' A shield is a piece of armour that is carried in battle for protection. In times of trouble, God is the one who encourages us to lift up our heads and it's like He says, 'Come on - stand, we can do this.' Just a cry to Him and He hears us from heaven and goes into action on our behalf. And He gives us total peace and contentment together with total refreshment.

He holds us up and helps us to withstand the attack. We can confidently declare that THERE IS NO FEAR HERE v6. Why? Because we are surrounded by God's protection. But if we show that we are fearful, this opens up the way, for the evil one to get in and torment us. Therefore, we need to come back to what God has provided for each of us - our own personal armour that we need to put on every day:

*  The Belt of Truth A belt is the foundation of the armour, holding the sword and breastplate.

But also, Satan is the father of lies, so we speak the truth which he can't stand against

*  Breastplate of Righteousness The breastplate guards the heart, the source of the soldier's life. Righteousness, from God, protects the spiritual life of the Christian

*  Feet protected by the gospel of peace The soldier's heavily, armoured sandals gave him traction and security. Therefore, our peace with God, through Jesus Christ, gives us the security to face our enemies

*  The Shield of Faith The shield, covered in heavy leather and soaked in water, extinguished the flaming arrows of the enemy. Faith in God's promises deflect and extinguish Satan's lies

*  The Helmet of Salvation This helmet protected the soldier's brain. This protects the Christian's mind from doubt, fear and worry and anything that torments.

*  The Sword of the Spirit This sword is different to the soldier's one. This is the word of God

In addition, we pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers and requests, staying alert.

We have everything we need when we go through troubled times. As long as we are clad in the Armour of God, with God beside us as well, we are well equipped for victory. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

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