In yesterday’s post we looked at reviving our good spiritual intentions we started entering the new year. Today, I want to revisit putting on our spiritual armor.
The Apostle Paul taught that God gifted us with spiritual weapons to combat evil and sin. These weapons, probably based on similar teachings found in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, are gifts to be used, not stored away in some forgotten closet.
Getting Dressed in the Dark
You know, I’ve found that there is something challenging about getting dressed in the dark.
I move slower. I have to be more intentional, or I’ll get tangled up in my pants legs and fall. I reach for what I know is there, even if I can’t fully see it. There’s a kind of trust involved—muscle memory, familiarity, a quiet confidence that what you’re putting on will be enough for the day ahead.
That’s a little like what it means to “put on the armor of God” in Epistle to the Ephesians 6. It’s not overly dramatic.
It’s not a loud action. It’s not something that particularly draws attention.
It’s a lot more like getting dressed in the dark.
What It Looks Like to Wear the Armor of God
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:10-17 NLT
The Belt of Truth
Before anything else, there’s truth.
Not just what we say but what we’re willing to face. Truth equates to being honest in prayer. It looks like naming what’s actually going on inside of us instead of managing appearances. It’s the quiet refusal to live in illusion. It’s finding the courage to ask, “Lord, show me what’s real.”
The Breastplate of Righteousness
This isn’t about perfection; it’s about protection.
Righteousness is the daily decision we make to live aligned with God’s heart. We choose integrity when compromise would be easier. We guard our inner life, not for the sake of image, but because not everything needs to be for public consumption.
We aim less to impress and more for being authentic and true.
The Shoes of Peace
Peace isn’t passive as much as a presence we carry.
We bring it into conversations, into conflict, and into uncertainty. We don’t rush to match the anxiety in the room. Peace helps us walk differently.
Steadier.
Slower.
Grounded.
The Shield of Faith
Faith is not certainty.
It’s trust. It’s being confident in God even we are standing in a hot furnace.
Faith rises up between us and whatever fear, doubt, or accusation coming our way and saying, “Even now, I trust You.”
Some days our shield feels strong.
Other days it feels a little thin.
But we raise it anyway.
The Helmet of Salvation
This is about our mind and our identity.
There are voices that accuse us and voices that shame us. Some voices try to rewrite who we are. The helmet is the quiet practice of remembering:
“That’s not the voice I follow.”
The Sword of the Spirit
The sword is the only offensive piece gifted to us and even it isn’t about fighting people. It’s about speaking life.
It’s about speaking words that heal instead of wound. It’s about using words that reflect truth instead of distortion. Sometimes, we use Scripture. Sometimes, it’s a word of encouragement. Other times, it’s choosing to be silent when we could have said something that harms.
Not every battle needs noise.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
Ephesians 6:18-20 NLT
And Then Prayer—Always Prayer
Right after the armor is listed, Paul talks about prayer. Because this isn’t about putting something on once and being done. Prayer is about remaining connected, staying aware, and being open.
Prayer is how we stay dressed.
Not always formal.
Often simple.
“God, I need You right here.”
What This Looks Like in Real Life
Wearing the Armor of God looks like pausing before reacting and telling the truth when it would be easier to deflect. It look like choosing peace when everything in you wants to escalate. It’s trusting God when clarity doesn’t come readily. Wearing the Armor of God means refusing to let shame have the final word and speaking words that build instead of break.
Sometimes, it looks very ordinary.
Which might be why it’s so powerful.
Most days, we’re not stepping onto a battlefield we can see.
We’re stepping into conversations. Responsibilities. Relationships. Quiet struggles no one else knows about.
And somehow, in the middle of all that, we get dressed.
Piece by piece.
Choice by choice.
Moment by moment.
Sometimes in the light.
Sometimes in the dark.
But always with God right beside us.
Until my next post…
Be salty, stay lit.
Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™
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