Righteousness
I noticed that when I’m in the trenches, struggling in all angles, I do the most- spiritually speaking to get back to a sense of normalcy. I’ll pray and fast like never before. Then when I reach my goal of some kind of equilibrium I notice my spiritual life begins to wane once more. I mean, logically I understand that happens because when I’m feeling desperate I reach out to the Lord in a way I never usually do. However, going through that process a few times has shown me that I won’t truly be able to live an abundant life by only going to God wholeheartedly when I’m struggling.
Lately, when I’ve been pouring my heart out before Him, there seems to be a shift in motive. I don’t know where it came from but I could sense a deeper calling to God. I wanted more of Him. Not just seeking Him for healing or to be better in areas I’m lacking in, but I noticed a new desire to keep praying just for the sake of it and to really get to know who I was praying to and WHY I needed Him. Oh, I knew I needed Him and I thought I knew why (to stay sane) but He showed me there was more to it.
Someone reached out and shared the chapter of 1 John 3 with me. Within that chapter, the writer speaks about sin and that no one who knows God deliberately or habitually practices sin (v. 9). It’s simple but it blew me away a bit because sometimes I rationalize sinning- thinking to myself “okay just this once won’t hurt” which is a lie. What I also learned is that my body is special and while deliberate and habitual sin seems convenient, it undoubtedly has a negative effect on my spiritual and mental health.
After this simple but profound revelation, the passage of Ephesians 6 that speaks about putting on the whole armor of God began to make so much sense to me, specifically the breastplate of righteousness. The reason this stood out to me so much was that throughout the months I hadn’t been feeling quite like myself, I’d feel like there was a blow to my gut/torso that was weakening my ability to remain strong. It reminded me of the “fiery darts of the enemy” the same passage speaks about. It implores us to protect ourselves with the Word of God since we “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (v. 12) It goes on to say that in order to withstand in the evil day we must guard ourselves accordingly. BUT what stands out to me THE MOST (again) is the breastplate of righteousness! It’s no wonder when I would slack on my spiritual responsibilities I’d feel like I couldn’t handle certain stressors. My core would be hit with a fiery dart and because righteousness wasn’t there to protect me as a breastplate I'd become so weak. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS LITERAL PROTECTION. Living right in the sight of God is NEEDED if we want to live victorious lives. It is a covering to us. When we partake in things that are displeasing to not only God but our bodily temples we do ourselves a huge disservice. We may not see the effects of it in 5 minutes or 5 days but over time a little leaven leavens the whole lump (a little sin here and there adds up and ruins our spirits). This is why I need God and why I need to live righteously- because my life depends on it. Proverbs 3:7-8 (AMPC) says, “Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil. It shall be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bones.” When we choose the Lord’s ways over our own our health is literally strengthened! Glory to God, that makes me excited lol. We have a hope!!! Let’s rejoice!!!
Knowing this encourages me to continue to consistently seek God in prayer, reading my bible, and fasting so I may have strength, wisdom, and guidance in my daily life. By faith, as I live for God I am protected, and the fiery darts of the enemy are quenched. It’s a simple concept but I pray I never forget to keep the same fervent energy towards God in good times as well as bad. Pray without ceasing folks, let’s lay up eternal treasures for ourselves and build on our eternal relationship with our Creator. Not much else matters. May the righteousness, peace, and joy of the Lord be your portion today and evermore. Love you all.
