Ephesians 6:17 tells us to take the helmet of Salvation....
Head gear is an essential piece of any armour. As anyone knows, head injuries can be devastating.
They can not only affect the mind but also the rest of the body.
The head-gear a Christian should be wearing is designed specifically to protect the mind (which has
a direct effect on the spiritual condition of the believer which in turn affects the condition of the believer's
body--spiritual things do have a tangible affect on the physical and visa versa).
Jesus said if our eye (discernment) be clear, the whole body is full of light. That
is a direct reference to the mind, spirit, body connection (the one has a tangible affect on the other).
The helmet of salvation is not the piece of armour that relates to the assurance of the salvation
of our souls.
The breastplate of righteousness does that. The helmet of salvation
relates to deliverance.
Deliverance from what?
How about oppression, depression, anxiety, anger, rebellion, bitterness, unforgiveness, worry or fear?
Medication helps all that you say?
Pharmaceuticals may bring temporary relief, but they do not bring true peace of mind or God's deliverance,
and they compound the problem as well, because all of those types of solutions are addictive.
So now, in addition to depression and anxiety (etc.), you most likely need deliverance
from spirits of escape and addiction as well.
Do you feel a constant need to be in control? That is a very sinful and destructive stronghold.
Is sexual lust or immoral behavior an issue? Self centeredness?
What about addictive behavior? You're not an addict you say? How many hours a week of television
do you watch--video games--computer time chatting, game playing, etc.?
What behaviour or attitudes cause friction in your marriage or family that you can't or
won't change?
Need I go on?
We all experience a need for deliverance at some point in our lives, and if we are honest, we will
admit that it is far more often than we care to let on.
That is why God gave us a powerful piece of armour called the helmet of salvation.
Now let's learn how to put it on.
I was married for many years to a man who cheated on me--constantly.
Most of his affairs were brief, and although all were painful, time and time again, I chose
to forgive him and keep our family together.
Eventually though, he had a really serious affair. He fell in love with someone else and told me
about it. We separated, and I went through four of the most difficult months of my life.
I loved my husband and never lost the willingness to make our marriage work. In short, I wanted
him back, and was willing to forgive him.
After crying oceans of tears and sending constant prayers, my wayward spouse asked for
a reconciliation--which I granted.
I was wounded and apprehensive. I had already decided I would never allow him to put me through
this again, but I was willing to give it one last try.
After the reconciliation took place, the relief and peace I expected did not appear. My mind was
constantly filled with vivid pictures that perpetuated the pain I had been going through for months. And unforgiveness gained a stronghold in my life.
I was bombarded with rage and bitterness over what he had put me through. I felt helpless to control it.
I knew that if I vented that rage it would surely destroy the tenuous bond we were re-establishing
with each other, and our marriage would never survive.
I knew I had to deal with it. It was my problem--not his. But It wasn't going away by
itself.
I was in deep spiritual trouble and needed that helmet of salvation... badly.
The Spirit of the Lord reminded me of Philippians 4:6-8 kjv
- Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known unto God.
- And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ
Jesus.
- Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good
report;
- ...if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
Think on these things.
Well, I had quite an assignment. I had to control my thoughts.
We can do that... With God's help and using his methods.
Ephesians 4:22-32 contains what I call the "put off's and put on's."
That passage teaches us that in order to successfully give up one sinful behavior, we must replace
it with another--with a Godly one.
It is the same with our thoughts. If we are plagued with distressing thougths, the only way to stop
them is to focus our minds on something else.
The Bible says to replace sinful, distressing, destructive sinful thoughts with anything
excellent, pure and of a good report.
anything.
It is really that simple. I can testify that God knows what he is talking about.
Was it easy?
No.
Was I able to obey Philippians 4:8?
Yes.
And you can too. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Did I gain true peace of mind?
Yes.
Was I able to truly forgive?
Yes.
Unfortunately that husband did not give up his adulterous behavior, so I finally gave up on the marriage,
but I can truthfully say I have been able to forgive him. Today, I can clearly remember the facts of those
days, but the Lord has brought me into a place of such peace and joy that the pain of those memories is completely
gone.
John 16:21 comes to mind, "A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but
as soon as she is delivered... she remembers no more the anquish....
