Armed Against DepressionSample

Day Two: Belt of Truth

The belt is one of the most crucial tools of a warrior. It provides a place for necessary items to be readily accessible, especially in the event of an ambush or attack. In an attack, there isn’t time to stop and search for things like additional ammunition, life-saving medical supplies, or an additional weapon.

Not only does a military grade belt house things that are necessary in battle, but also holds additional items essential for daily survival. Service members know there are other dangers outside of the obvious ambushes of their enemy—they need to survive in all kinds of conditions. Therefore, belts also hold items like fire starters, an emergency blanket, and water purification tablets.

In the same way, we, too, need a strong spiritual belt to hold truths that are needed at a moment’s notice. If you are struggling with depression, the mental lies can attack at any moment.

Some of the most common lies of depression include things like, “You are not good enough. You do not have a purpose. You are worthless. What could you possibly contribute to the work of God? Look how sinful you are—you should be ashamed of yourself.”

I continually must fight off these lies. Here are some truths I keep on my spiritual belt, ready to pull out at any time:

You are a masterpiece, designed specifically by a loving God who has plans for you (Ephesians 2:10).

You are cherished and treasured by God, who has chosen to adopt you (Romans 8:15).

You are needed in God’s plan to bring redemption into the world, and Jesus has promised to be with you to the very end of your life (Matthew 28:18-20).

No one, not even you, has the authority to condemn you because the Creator of the world has declared you free from sin and death (Romans 8:1-2).

As a warrior for Jesus, know that there are lies that are specifically targeting you and hunting you. It is essential that you have specific truths ready, to reload your weapon against Satan, to nourish your soul when you are tired, to bandage your emotional wounds when injured, and to keep your heart warm when the world is cold and cruel.

Build up your belt of truth with the specific parts of God’s Word that you need to have ready each day. Journal your thoughts and see where the enemy is planting ideas that are not Gospel truths. Be prepared to take them on using verses ready to go.

To do: Write out the lies that are coming at you. Find Scriptures that directly defend you against those lies. Write them down and keep them at the ready. If you aren’t sure, ask another believer or pastor to help you.

Jesus, our great Commander and Chief, please build up our belt of truth with words and ideas that come directly from your Word. Help us to secure them tightly and give us wisdom and clarity to hold tight to them. May the truths that we are eternally redeemed, loved beyond measure, designed by you and with a specific purpose hold fast in our minds and hearts.