The Truth
I don’t know about you but sometimes in the face of fear, I forget to focus on the truth – because fear can appear so big. I’ve heard a lot of fear talk these past few weeks and I’m sure a lot more will come so I am hunkering down and focusing on the truth.
Fear makes me do crazy things. Yesterday I had to go to Walmart to get some snacks for an all day staff day I am having today. This is the first time I’ve gone grocery shopping since the Corona virus because my husband is our shopper. I walked into the store and grabbed a shopping cart and stepped into the arena. The shelf to my left was lined with strawberries and to the right was full of all kinds of fruit. So I continued…then I turned the corner to the meat section. Nothing. Bare freezers. Then I went down the freezer aisle. Nothing. Empty freezers. Then I hit the canned goods. Nothing. Empty shelves. I found myself starting to panic. My heart rate went up, I started speed walking down the aisles with my cart searching frantically for food – any food. The more I searched, the more anxious and nervous and worried I became. I started thinking things like, “we are going to starve”, “ this is what it is like in Russia” and “how am I going to survive?” And then it hit me. I am acting out fear. So I literally stopped in the aisle and took a breath. Then I slowly walked through the rest of the store and got everything I needed. Note – if you need snacky food you are good! If you want healthy food, plan ahead!
When I focus on fear, I am filled with anxiety, worry, depression, confusion, question, etc.
When I focus on truth, I am filled with peace, patience, compassion, empathy, hope, etc.
Is it any wonder that God gave us the armor of the belt of truth? He knew we would need it as we go through life and face uncertainties, health concerns, financial concerns, an unknown future, etc.
I was watching this comedian last night with my son and he said “do you see this belt, do you know what it is used for? If you are skinny – it’s used to hold your pants up – but if you are like me (and he rubbed his oversized belly) it’s used to smooth you out and keep you all tucked in.”
Now isn’t that the truth? The belt of truth does just that for us. As we turn to God’s word – the truth – it holds us up, smooths us out and keeps us all tucked in.
Are you feeling anxious these days? Worried about your future, your people? God’s truth tells us…..I Peter 5:7 reminds us to cast our cares on the Lord because HE CARES FOR YOU!
Are you feeling confused and wondering where God is in the midst of this world crisis? God’s truth tells us…..Joshua 1:9 reminds us to be strong and courageous for the Lord, OUR GOD, is with us WHEREVER we go!
Are you feeling shaken by what we are facing and like you won’t be able to stand firm? God’s truth tells us….Ephesians 6:11 reminds us that we are to put on the full armor of God SO THAT YOU WILL be able to stand firm…..not that you might be able to stand, but you WILL be able to stand firm.
Today if you need to be held up, turn to God’s word – put on your belt of truth.
Today if you need to be smoothed out, turn to God’s word – put on your belt of truth.
Today if you need to be tucked in, turn to God’s word – put on your belt of truth.
God has given you and God has given me what we each need in the form of His armor. This is how we fight our battles. We run toward God and His word, putting on our belt of truth, and in so doing, we stand firm.
Robin Smith has a passion for equipping people to see their strengths and to lead with their unique God given gifts. She has spent the last 15 years in higher education, focusing on developing student leaders and equipping students with the skills they need to be successful in the pursuit of their education and careers.
Robin has recently transitioned out of higher education to pursue her heart’s passion to help equip women coming out of trafficking as the Program Director at Refuge for Women Las Vegas. Robin serves on the Ignite Life board, volunteers with Refresher for Women and Refresher Girls and teaches the evening class of Speaker's Workshop. She loves to teach the word of God and empower people to live victoriously on their journey with Jesus.
Robin and her husband Homer have been married for 31 years. They enjoy God’s creation by hiking, walking, or simply enjoying the sun with a good book. They have two children, Jenna and Ryne, three grandchildren, Alex, Dylan and Vincent and 1 cat - Cedar.