The Belt of Truth

Therefore, put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground.Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist... Ephesians 6:13-14

Have you ever grown impatient with God? Last week I reached a point where I was downright frustrated. I am not proud of that. I was unsettled and irritable. I felt like I had no sure footing- as if I was mentally, emotionally and spiritually 'thrown'. I cried, I pouted, I grouched- the 'party' was big and it was not pretty. I was growing weary and lost sight of the promise God had given me.

We are in a spiritual battle and Paul has given us a charge: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power (v. 10). We must be empty of ourselves and filled up with Him- completely dependent. We must realize we are fighting against a deadly enemy whose schemes are predictable but gravely serious (v. 12). But then Paul gives us a battle plan: We must put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, we can stand our ground. This day of evil is not some far-off future event that we do not need to concern ourselves with, but it is any day when we face Satan's attempts to bring us down. It is today.

Paul begins spelling out the battle plan with the first piece of armor- the belt of truth. This belt of truth can represent Christ because He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. This belt can also represent the Word. Jesus says in John 17:17 that the Word of God is truth. This word "truth" can also mean living in integrity and obedience. Whether it is one or all three combined, the belt of Truth keeps us from being thrown to and fro in the battles of life. It is our support, it keeps us grounded, rooted and centered on Christ and the task at hand. I have been waiting on a revelation from God for months. However, at the beginning of this journey, God led me to His promises found in Psalm 25. He placed the belt of truth around my waist knowing that the next several months may get a bit stormy and I would need an anchor of His to hold on to. He is so gracious. Satan has attempted to discourage me, frustrate me regarding God's time frame and plant seeds of doubt in my mind about God's character. Satan would love to distract me and hinder what God has called me to. When I have become unsettled and frustrated, it is the belt of truth which holds me firm to that which I am convinced. It keeps my heart and vision focused on Him. God is good and He is faithful. He does not let those who trust in Him to ever be disgraced. He leads us by His truth and teaches us. He reveals the right path for us to follow. He rescues us from the traps of our enemy. He is a friend to those who fear Him.

The belt of truth. Do you have it in place and buckled?

Lord, thank you for the belt of truth. You and Your Word are truth and the anchor that holds me firm. Keep me grounded in You. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher