Spiritual Armor #6; The Helmet of Salvation

Ephesians 6:17 “And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
     The helmet of salvation is a wonderful piece of armor. In Thessalonians, it speaks of the hope of salvation. Some times things are very discouraging. It’s been said, “look within and be depressed, look without and be distressed, look to Jesus and be at rest.” 
     There are some things I can’t think about. They are too distressing. When I read of christians being martyred and ancient christian sites being buldozed, it seems like we are losing. That’s when I put on my helmet of salvation. My wife reminds me of Revelation and who wins in the end. 
     The devil wants us to grind it out in the painful minutiae of these depressing details. We are to put our minds elsewhere. If it’s not our job, don’t get into it as if it were. 
     The lukewarm believer is haunted by doubts as to whether they are saved. It’s been years since they’ve been able to put on this helmet. Their lack of joy is the evidence.
     The head is a vulnerable place. One good blow and we are either dead or out of commision for a while. I have seen vibrant young people sustain head injuries. They become a fraction of themselves. Spriritually, we need to protect our minds. Wounds there can sideline us for a long time.

      Philipians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” When we put off the discouraging topics, we put on these thoughts. Verse nine says if we do this, the peace of God will be with us. 
     We are in a different type of battle. We aren’t to be mean or aggressive. We are victorious if we can keep our joy. Not really a picture of a warrior. The philipian passage said the peace of God will be with us. Depression, diversion and temptation are the devils tools. God wants us to have His peace and joy.
     Lord, help us to focus on the great news that “we win”. Thank You for Your sacrifice which secured the battle. Help us to abide in Your joy, by keeping the helmet of salvation in place.