Carrying on from our meditation yesterday, the fifth piece of armor that Paul mentions is the Roman helmet. He typifies it as a helmet of salvation. Perhaps the thought in Paul's mind was that the enemy targets the mind in spiritual warfare. His attack on the mind varies from person to person, but to a young, immature believer, the enemy will sow thoughts that are dismissive of the very existence of God. Doubts fly through the air in the same way as a sword attacks the head. It is then that you need a helmet provided by the heavenly quartermaster. At such times, we need the assurance of the Scriptures, the promises of God, and the inner witness of salvation by the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit’s assurance of salvation that protects our minds as a helmet protects the head: “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children” (Romans 8:16). We can face every demonic attack knowing that nothing can separate us from God's love. Whatever trial life throws at us, we know we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. Paul writes:
38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).
When we know, deep down, that nothing can separate us from God's love, not demonic powers, dark angels, or demons, our minds and spirits are firmly secure in the Lord. The plans and reasonings of the mind are the most significant battleground, so disciples of Christ, be aware of the thoughts that come to mind. Any thought that does not align with the Word of God should be cast down and put to death. Do not let the enemy continually sow seeds of doubt in your mind. To cover and protect our minds with the helmet of salvation, we must soak in God's Word and remind ourselves that our salvation is complete and does not rely on our feelings. Paul the apostle wrote to the church of Corinth, warning them not to be led astray by Satan's cunning attacks on the mind:
But I am afraid that just as the serpent's cunning deceived Eve, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3).
The enemy will try to convince you that your standing before God depends on your behavior, but our standing before God is a finished work that God has accomplished for us. We are accepted not through our works but by what Jesus did for us on the cross.
If today you are under oppressive thoughts, call sincerely upon the Lord to come and help you. When evil, lustful thoughts come, visualize grabbing hold of them, throwing them down to the ground, and stamping on them. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
Prayer: Father, come again to Your people who today read these words. Protect them from the evil one, grant them an awareness of his attacks, and make each of us stand firm in your mighty power. Amen. Keith Thomas
This meditation is a shortened version of the more in-depth study: The Armor of God.