Stand Firm in Truth
Well now, friend, look at you showin’ up like a cool breeze on a hot Texas afternoon. I appreciate you stoppin’ on by for a lil’ spell. I was just sittin’ here watchin’ a plump lil’ bluebird tryin’ to convince a stubborn ol’ barn cat to share a sunny spot on the fence rail, and it made me smile. There’s somethin’ mighty special about someone takin’ a moment out of their busy day to settle in, breathe deep, and let the Lord speak to their heart.
Well now, folks get mighty protective over what they think truth is. They guard their opinions the way that lil’ bluebird guards his perchin’ spot. But Ephesians 6:10-14 tells us to “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” and to “stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” Truth isn’t optional. It’s some real protective armor.
Now when God starts talkin’ about spiritual warfare, He sho’-nuff’ don’t begin with a shield or a sword. He plum starts with a belt. And not just any ol’ belt. He starts with the belt of truth. Jesus said in John 8:31-32 that if we hold to His teaching, we will know the truth and the truth will set us free. Truth isn’t a decoration. Truth is mighty good protection. And to help us see this even clearer, let’s weave in Psalm 119:105, which says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” God’s truth don’t just defend you. It plum guides you. It keeps you from wanderin’ off into the dark like a confused lil’ ol’ raccoon lookin’ for some supper.
The trouble is, friend, we live in an ol’ world where truth gets treated like a buffet line. Folks pick what they like and leave what they don’t. With all the noise, media, opinions, and celebrity voices hollerin’ for attention, it’s real easy to start choosin’ truth the way folks choose a favorite country singer. We become spectators of truth instead of students of it. Some folks even try to believe two opposites at the same time. They sing like they believe it on Sunday, then they live like God never existed on Monday. That’s not standin’ firm at all. That’s wobblin’ around like a lil’ baby calf tryin’ to be walkin’ on ice.
Friend, God calls us to buckle truth around our waist like our life depends on it. We’ve gotta dig into His Word, ask Him to speak, and cling to truth with reverence. Truth ain’t just information. Truth is the best kind of armor. Truth is real freedom. Truth is real strength.
Father, I know I am in a spiritual battle. Help me know, believe, and live Your truth. Teach me to be strong in Your mighty power as I pray, meditate, and follow Your lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Alright then, friend, put this truth right down in your pocket where you can reach it any time you need it throughout your day and any other time. God’s truth just ain’t flimsy like a porch board that groans under a wandering ol’ raccoon. It’s plum sturdy enough to hold you when life charges at you like an ol’ angry bull that don’t want to go back into the pen. It’s bright enough to guide you when you feel lost as an ol’ possum blinkin’ in the headlights of an ol’ pick-up truck. And it’s plum faithful enough to steady your steps, strengthen your heart, and help you keep right on standin’ firm no matter what tries to be knockin’ you over.
With joy,
Gwen
