A Sword. We are to have a firm grasp on our Sword.  This firm grasp ensures two results first our blows will defeat the attack and second we are not easily separated from our Sword.  We must become familiar with the hilt of the Sword to be comfortable with the grasp we hold it in.  The hilt has added weight in the pommel for balance which aides in controlling the position of the Sword.  The Sword must become personal to the one who carries the Sword to be most effective.  The confidence with which the person holds the Sword will ensure or deny him victory.

There are two elements that ensure our defeat or our victory.  One is how we acknowledge our position of danger, we are in danger and it is a constant concern.  The adversary is constantly on the prowl preparing to eliminate the weak and injured.  By defeating these first, the stronger become more vulnerable.  There are so many distractions in the world to lure us away and ensnare us in lies increasing our vulnerability.

The second element is confidence when our weapon is untested we can doubt the power within our Sword or our ability to maneuver it successfully.   Our skill is constantly under criticism from the adversary before we are drawn into battle.  We can be drawn into battle and lack confidence in their grasp of the Sword.  The other concern is a lack of confidence in the weapon itself.  When our confidence is secured we will not see the Sword as something we hold but an extension of our own arm.

The integrity of the craftsman is crucial, the person who created the sword must be known to use the finest material and to complete his task with care to detail. The integrity includes concern for the future owner of the Sword, will they want to bring them defeat or victory.

God has chosen our armor and our weapon, the question is how firmly we hold onto the Sword which is the Word of God.  We often do not realize the Word of God is a weapon, we often consider the Holy Bible as a rule book.  We often do not grasp the Holy Bible to protect ourselves but use the Holy Bible as an instrument to injure ourselves through guilt when we recognize our personal sins.

God informs us through His Word in

Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

We often do not connect this verse to

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

God demonstrates His love to us with such a great sacrifice yet we continue to feel that God is pointing out our flaws to incriminate us.  God’s goal is not to use His Word against us but to allow us victory in the battle.  As we come to recognize this we will draw nearer to the Word for protection.  We will no longer hide from the Word to avoid shame but we will embrace the Holy Bible.

The Holy Bible will no longer be a mere book to us but will become an extension of lives.  We will embrace the Holy Bible claiming not only victory but also an intimate relationship with God.

When we see the adversary strike at us with accusations denying our worth we will respond with strength and truth.  We will not cower in darkness but we will stand victorious in God’s fellowship which enhances the Light of the world.

John 8:12 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

To step into this Light will ensure our grasp on the weapon, we will embrace the Word of God.

We are to recognize the danger and reject the lure set before us. We need training and God wants to train us personally.  God wants an intimate relationship with you by intimate it means it is just between the two of you.  There will be things you share just with God, there will be things you share with God other people don’t need to know.

We are to learn to balance the Word of God in our lives as it protects us and allows us to draw into a deeper relationship with God.  There is added weight to the Word as our relationship with God increases through fellowship, while reading His Word, bringing balance to our lives.

Written by Joyce E Poggensee

Romans 3:23, John 8:12,   John 3:16, Psalm 1