"Belt Up" With Truth and Joy

           Have you had your JOY JUICE today?   When you get dressed in the mornings, do you put on your armor?

            Knights used to wear armor to be protected in combat. Soldiers certainly need protection when they are going into war. Police officers wear bullet-proof vests. Even some athletes have to wear a type of armor (like pads, a helmet, mouthpiece) to prevent injury while playing their sport.  

          I like to use the example of the odd little animal called an armadillo. (God had a sense of humor and much creativity when he created this guy.)  Its entire upper body is encased in armor. His armor is composed of many bony plates which overlap.  If an armadillo is in danger and cannot dig a hole in the ground to burrow into, it rolls itself in a ball and tucks its head and feet in, so that every part of its body is protected by this armor.  

            You and I need armor, too.  Ephesians 6:14 tells us to “Stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.”  This is the first piece of armor listed in the passage. As an article of clothing, a belt is used to hold things in place; spiritually speaking, the belt of truth does the same thing. Truth keeps us secure in Christ and makes effective all the other pieces of armor.

            In order to be armed with the truth, we must study God’s Word and be strong enough in our faith to stand firm when the going gets tough!  With the Belt of Truth fastened securely around our waist, we can joyfully face the days ahead….no matter what they may bring!

            May the Belt of Truth help you to stand firm and face today with joy.