Sometimes I feel lost like I am surrounded by a fog. I can't tell which direction I'm facing much less where the path is and I don't know where the Lord would have me go sometimes. Sometimes I struggle with certain scriptures or someone's teachings on the Bible. I feel uncertain of what the truth truly is at times. Have you ever been there? There are so many things in this world that seek to misguide us and obscure our path in Christ. So what should we do in those times to help us maintain the correct path in Jesus? How can we break through the fog to be able to see God's direction in our life clearly during our times of struggle?
The Bible provides many verses to help us in these times. So lets look at a couple of them. The first one that comes to mind is Psalm 119:105, which says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." In this scripture, we see that God's Word is a lamp and light to us. So when we begin to struggle, doubt, wander, or stray, we should run to the Bible to find clarity in God's word. Through His word, we can better battle any fog that comes to obscure our path in Christ. It is also interesting to note that earlier in the very same Psalm, verse 11, the scripture says, "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Through knowing the word and storing it in our heart, we can still find direction when fog of any kind seeks to take us off of Jesus' path.
Another scripture passage to help us battle fog and struggles in our walk is Ephesians 6:10-17 saying,
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
This passage gives us 5 ways we can defend ourselves from spiritual struggles and one way we can fight against spiritual struggle. What does wearing truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation look like? Why is the Word considered an offensive weapon?
First, we gain the armor through a close and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The greatest of all commandments is, "love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." Why do you think Jesus deemed this the greatest of all commandments? Because it is only through Jesus that we are able to live any of these pieces of armor. All 5 of these qualities are abundantly represented in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit helps to develop each one inside of us.
Second, the greatest example, in my opinion, of the word being used as a sword, is the temptation of Jesus. In Matthew 4:1-11 you can see that Jesus responds with scripture against each of Satan's three temptations. If the Son of God felt it was necessary to use His Father's own words in fighting the devil's snares, shouldn't we also follow his example? It is also important to note that the devil used scripture against Jesus but Jesus understood the devil was using it out of context and was able to correct him. If we do not go to the Bible, learn the Bible, and seek to truly understand the Bible, with the help of the Holy Spirit's guidance, then we will leave ourselves open to being led astray.
So if you are facing a time of struggle or you feel that you are lost in a dense fog, put all your trust fully in Jesus and His word. You can never fail doing these two things. Our Lord is completely faithful and trustworthy. I leave you with these last two pieces of scripture as encouragement. Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Philippians 1:6, And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Greg
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