We live immersed in a world where political, social, economic and religious rhetoric abound. We hear and read words coming from agendas of every sort under the sun. You might call it the crossfire of opposing camps or even crosswinds of ideologies and dogma. They compete for your time and money and purpose to sway your heart, mind and emotions in one way or another—or even multiple ways at the same time. They bring a fallout of confusion. How to respond? What to do?
RELEVANCE
For one thing, such crosswinds test your conscience; your integrity. They test your heart and motivations; your values. They test your fears and your faith.
So what would God say as His eyes, ears and Spirit hover over the earth—and penetrate into the deep recesses of your innermost being? For sure He sees you stirring, “afflicted one, tossed with tempest, and not comforted” (Isaiah 54:11). He knows your concerns, your interests, your feelings and your needs. So He offers comfort and assurance, and makes a great promise: “Behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems, and lay your foundations with sapphires…. In righteousness you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear” (v. 12-14).
I love the phrase, “In righteousness you shall be established.” God does desire that you be established—settled in a secure, stable and peaceful place. The other part of the coin is that you be found in a state of righteousness.
So what’s a state of righteousness? You might say being firmly postured in right-standing or in right relationship with God; or perhaps living in accordance with God’s words and ways. Some would simply say, being “in Christ.”
Consider, however, a more full or whole state of multidimensional alignment with God; as Paul would put it, being immersed in experiencing the fullness of the length, depth, breadth and height of God’s love and presence (Ephesians 3:16-19). From such a multidimensional aligned posture in His will and in His strength by His grace and Spirit will you be able to stand your ground and be victorious in turbulent times.
The apostle, Paul, provided another illustration within the context of how to be clothed– or dressed for life’s battles:
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. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit… (Ephesians 6:13-18).
We may take this lightly, but God would have you dress in these spiritual garments– or apply these concepts in very real ways—daily. How so? Consider the following :
Belt of Truth: be fastened in truth at your center, seeking wisdom in everything
Breastplate of Righteousness: be honorable, humble, morally sound, having integrity
Shoes of Peace: be firmly grounded, walking to resolve conflict and seek harmony
Helmet of Salvation: be of sound mind, seeking God’s solutions, welfare and prosperity
Sword of the Spirit: be in prayer, sensing the Holy Spirit, proclaiming and applying God’s word
REFLECT AND RELATE
God’s word teaches us to meditate on His word and ways continuously (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Joshua 1:8; Philippians 4:8). A good exercise would be to ask yourself as you get dressed each morning:
How am I prepared to address this-and-that situation today?
How would God advise me?
What would God have me do?
Truly, God has answers and solutions. We just need to ask. Then listen intently– and be willing to apply His answers and insights.