Armed Against DepressionSample

Day Six: Helmet of Salvation

Your enemy knows that the easiest and most effective way to cause fatal injury is a direct hit to the head. Therefore, protecting that one part of your body is one of the most crucial goals in warfare. Helmets have changed and evolved over centuries. One thing has not changed: the importance of making the helmet strong and capable of withstanding significant blows.

Modern day helmets are heavy and new recruits must adapt to the weight. Helmets are lined with padding to make them more comfortable, and a chin strap keeps the piece firmly in place. For the first few days of continually wearing it, the neck will ache. It doesn’t take long for a soldier to adapt and begin to feel unsafe without this invaluable piece of the uniform to protect the most precious part of the body.

In recent years, helmets have been cleverly designed to not appear in the shape of a human head, thus confusing the enemy. Night goggles can be strapped to the helmet which allows soldiers to have a unique ability to see in the darkest of nights. Thermal optics provide an additional sense of protection: hazards can be avoided, and the enemy can be spotted even if they are trying to use the cover of darkness.

Paul tied the idea of the helmet to salvation. Having the security of your salvation to cover your mind ensures that you will not fall for lies that might make you feel like you are not part of God’s army. If you begin to believe that you are not saved, there is a risk you will stop putting on your armor each day because you erroneously assume you are not worthy.

In truth, Jesus’ sacrifice has more than made you worthy and nothing, not even you, can discount the eternal transaction that happened when you chose to follow him. Your salvation means that you have already been counted as clean in God’s eyes and his love has provided the security that you belong in his army. The Holy Spirit was sent as a seal to guarantee it, much like the strap that holds the helmet tightly in place.

Often Christians will express that they are avoiding God and stop pursuing their faith because they don’t feel worthy. The Gospel is the exciting news that regardless of your faults, you are not your sin!

Do not take the powerful truth of your salvation off your mind. Strap it tightly to your thought life. Tell Satan that God gave you this helmet, and the Holy Spirit has strapped it on!

To do: Write out your salvation story and honor it by telling others. Hold on to the good news that regardless of what you do, nothing can take you out of Jesus’ grasp! Depression cannot steal your salvation.

Jesus, thank you so much for defeating sin in our lives once and for all. Thank you for granting us permission to come to you at any time without shame or guilt. May we spend each day living in the truth and freedom that no matter what happens, we are free to continue to put on our armor and fight the good fight!