What comes to mind when you think about the word "faith?" Maybe the word "faith" makes you think about things you hope will happen one day. For many, the word "faith" has become synonymous with "wish" or "hope." Scripture teaches that faith is something much more significant. Faith in God is assurance in God's promises and confidence in His power. Even more, Scripture teaches that faith is a shield that protects us in the spiritual battles taking place around us.
Paul introduces the concept that faith is a shield to help protect us against the enemy and his schemes in Ephesians 6. He instructs believers to “hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil” (verse 16). The enemy is constantly throwing arrows at us. Often, these arrows are doubts that the enemy throws at us, tempting us to doubt God's goodness, His power, and His provision. When we pick up our shield of faith and trust Him, we are able to fight against the arrows of doubt that the enemy throws us. We are so rooted in God's faithfulness and promises that we are not thrown off when the enemy tries to throw those arrows of doubt against us.
When we trust God and His plans, we remain steadfast and firm. We are not easily shaken even when the enemy battles against us and tries to tempt us to doubt God and His plans. Why can we trust Him? We can trust God because He has proved Himself trustworthy. He has proved Himself to be a good Heavenly Father who loves and always takes care of us. We may not always understand His plan, but we can always trust His plan. He is always good.
How has God proved Himself to be trustworthy in your life? Specifically, how has He proven Himself trustworthy this week? Make a list of five ways God has proven Himself to be faithful in your life over this past week. When you are finished, pray. Praise God for His faithfulness to you. Thank Him for how He has taken care of you and been good to you. Let God’s faithfulness over this last week build your faith and confidence in Him so that His faith shields you against the arrows that the enemy may throw at you.
1My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
2 If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
4 Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
10 Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.
11 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
12 For the Lord corrects those he loves,
just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
the one who gains understanding.
14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
and her wages are better than gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 She offers you long life in her right hand,
and riches and honor in her left.
17 She will guide you down delightful paths;
all her ways are satisfying.
18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
happy are those who hold her tightly.
19 By wisdom the Lord founded the earth;
by understanding he created the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,
and the dew settles beneath the night sky.
21 My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.
Hang on to them,
22 for they will refresh your soul.
They are like jewels on a necklace.
23 They keep you safe on your way,
and your feet will not stumble.
24 You can go to bed without fear;
you will lie down and sleep soundly.
25 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
26 for the Lord is your security.
He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.
28 If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,
“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
29 Don’t plot harm against your neighbor,
for those who live nearby trust you.
30 Don’t pick a fight without reason,
when no one has done you harm.
31 Don’t envy violent people
or copy their ways.
32 Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord,
but he offers his friendship to the godly.
33 The Lord curses the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the upright.
34 The Lord mocks the mockers
but is gracious to the humble.
35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools are put to shame!
