The Sword Of The Spirit

The Word of God, the Bible, is the Sword of the Spirit. When you think of going into battle, you must think of bringing a weapon! The Word is our weapon because when we know what the Word says, we know what God says.

Let’s think a little more about what this weapon really is. God’s Word, the Bible, is a collection of God’s words. When we think about it, that’s a powerful way to fight. God’s words are so powerful that He used them to create the world. All He had to do was say, “Let there be …” and whatever He said came into existence.

When we put it that way, it’s hard to worry. The words that created the world are on our side. We can’t lose! So now that we’re pumped up for the fight, let’s get to it. Our enemy is attacking us with lies, so we need to identify those lies before we attack them with the Sword of the Spirit.

Here are some common lies we might think about ourselves:

• I am unloved.
• I need to be perfect.
• I need validation from guys.
• I am lost.
• I am unworthy.
• I am ugly.
• I am scared to live life.

Here are some truths from God’s Word:

• You are so loved (Rom. 8:38–39).
• You don’t need to be perfect. Jesus was perfect, so you just have to be His (Heb. 10:14).
• You don’t need guys to validate your worth or your beauty; God calls you His child (1 John 3:1).
• You are found (Luke 15:3–7).
• You are worthy (Matt. 10:30–31).
• You are beautiful (Rev. 21:2).
• Jesus has given you abundant life (John 10:10).

If none of those resonate with you, write down some lies you hold about yourself. Do a Google search for Bible verses that oppose those lies, something like “What does the Bible say about not feeling beautiful?” Then, use your Sword of the Spirit to slash the lies into pieces.

During a high school retreat I served at last year, we did a similar exercise as a group. I had the girls think of the lies they were believing about themselves, and then we circled up and prayed over one another. It was like you could almost see the lies fall off each girl. “The pressure to be perfect” fell off a couple, while “validation from guys” fell off another. “Lost” fell off one, and “scared to live life” fell off another. These lies are specifically fashioned for each person and they’re hard to remove, so I recommend finding a few people to support you. Sometimes this process is most effective with a group of your girls around you.

Make it a game to attack the lies before they attack you. Before any lies take root in your mind, pick up your sword and drive them out! When you go at them with the Sword of the Spirit, they can’t hold you down anymore.

The best thing is, when we listen to God’s words, we are listening to the King of the whole world. He isn’t just a smart person to listen to—He’s God! If anyone knows how to kick the butt of those lies, it’s Him. You are a loved child of God, and He is not going to let those lies defeat you.

Father, I believe Your Word is truth and speak that truth over myself. You call me loved, beautiful, and worthy. Please help me to keep attacking lies with Your Word, even when it is hard.