A Sword. We are to keep the Sword near to us at all times.  Due to the need to keep the Sword close it is to be worn on a sash.  A sash is often a band that is worn across the body to carry the sword.  The sash extends from a shoulder to the opposite hip where the sword is secured ensuring our safety.  An unarmed person is approached more readily, the adversary would be more cautious to approach when a visible sash informs the adversary of a weapon with which they can defend themselves.  The Sash is worn solely for a sword, the weight of the sash is a quick reminder the sword is present.  While the sash carries the Sword the important factor is the Sword must be carried with you.

We are to carry our Sword, the Word of God, with us.  As we recognize our Sword, The Word of God, we realize it cannot be carried across the chest and resting on the hip. The Word of God can only be carried one place.  The one place we can securely carry the Word of God is in our heart.  The Word of God will protect our heart, guiding our heart to the presence of God.  For the verses to have full power they must come from our heart.   When we are using verses securely planted in our heart we have connected with God, there is no force that can stand against God.   Only what comes from the heart can protect us from the adversary’s attacks and sustain our life.

Jeremiah 29: 12-13 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

As we study the Word we can attempt to plant verses in our memory to defend and protect ourselves.  The mind will not draw us closer to the security of God.  We are intelligent and with the wisdom we will strive for independence.  At times we can even imagine ourselves winning this battle more independently but still for God.  God is not as delighted when we do things for Him, but God is delighted when we do things with Him.  To be independent is a dangerous attitude when we are battling the adversary. In our independence we strike at the messenger more readily, and we can strike at problem while missing a crucial blow to the source.

The adversary knows the Word very well as you read:

Matthew 4:5-7   Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.  “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:“‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”  Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

When our mind plots our defense the adversary can use our very weapon against us.  As with a sash our defense in heightened when our very appearance reveals the presence of our weapon it may be through a kind word or simply a smile.  The absence of our weapon can also be evident by worry, anger or fear.

God wants us to rest in His protection we can see as we read:

Psalm 91:1-2 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

We must simply train our self to move from self defense to God’s defense.  Training is a task we must engage in all of the days we live on this earth. This training will allow you to feel secure in any situation as your trust in God grows.

The post will break from the series, A Sword, at this time.  We will continue with a new series next week.

Written by Joyce E Poggensee

Verses referenced. 1 Samuel 17, Deuteronomy 6:4-7, Matthew 4:5-7, Psalm 9