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I love outlet malls, don’t you?  Ann Taylor, Loft, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Fossil, Gap – all  my faves in one spot.

That’s dangerous right there.

My closet overfloweth.

One thing that’s never crossed my mind on a shopping adventure:

“Girl, you need a helmet. A nice, shiny gold one with rubies and bling all over it.”

But do you know what?  Above and beyond any of my mall purchases, that is the one item of clothing that is more necessary than all the rest.

A helmet protects your head from outside forces that could penetrate or cause a fatality.

Like those unexpected things that throw you for a loop.

Or even the expected things that make you cringe (such as your two-year-old throwing tantrums when he doesn’t get his way – all.day.long.).

Are we speaking the same language?

There are two types of “hope” in the world.

The “I wish”

“I hope the baby sleeps through the night” means you wish (oh HOW you hope!) that baby sleeps all night, but you don’t know if he will.

And the “I know”

“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness” means Christ’s salvation is the real deal.  Throughout this life and into the next.

“In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began” ~ Titus 1:2

“Having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection” ~Acts 24:15 

“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” ~Hebrews 6:19-20

 

Those verses aren’t talking about a wish.  They’re speaking of a sure thing – the promise of God for life abundant and eternal.

Protect your head

The helmet of salvation references the believer’s security in Christ.

“The hope of salvation will both purify the soul and keep it from being defiled by Satan, and comfort the soul and keep it from being troubled by him.  He would tempt us to despair, but good hope keeps us trusting in God and rejoicing in Him.” ~Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Bible

As in, “There is hope!! WAHOO!!!”

Your hope is secure.  It’s steadfast.

“Why are you cast down O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.” ~Psalm 42:5-6

That helmet you’re wearing guards you from the wicked schemes of the devil and the darts of doubt he throws.

As a believer, you are to put on that helmet of hope.  Just like the old American Express slogan, “Don’t leave home without it”.

Only don’t even be INSIDE your home without it.

Because therein lie the worst temptations.

Home is where the target is

Satan will try to get you on a low day.  That toddler has dumped the toy box and climbed the kitchen cabinets one too many times.

Your 11-year-old constantly forgets her homework.  When she’s home, she forgets to do it until 10:00 at night.  When she’s at school, she forgets it at home.

The teenager with the attitude because you didn’t let her wear a too-tight shirt to school.

Or your young adult who took her college buddies out for dinner courtesy of your credit card!

At home, you are yourself.  Your best foot is not forward.  You’re with the fam – your peeps.

The people who see the really real you.

You have to wear the whole outfit

“Therefore take up the WHOLE armor of  God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”  ~Ephesians 6:13

 

Now honey, would you ever be caught dead wearing that cute little outfit without the proper accessories or (heaven forbid) those perfect shoes you found at the Payless last week?

You can’t just wear your helmet and forget the rest:

the belt (truth)

the breastplate (righteousness)

the shoes (peace)

the shield (faith)

and the Sword (God’s Word)

And you know what else?  Prayer pulls the outfit all together.  It’s like body glitter – or better yet – armor polish!

“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” ~ Ephesians 6:18

I’ve a good friend whose husband walked out on her last year and into the arms of another woman.

But if you ask her how she deals, instead of answering your question, she expounds on the faithfulness of the Lord.

She knows where her hope lies, and she’s got her helmet fastened tight.

Not one firy dart has penetrated that sweet little head of hers.  And she wears the full ensemble every day.

By affirming God’s faithfulness, you are allowing Him to strengthen you.

By allowing Him to strengthen you, you are sewing seeds of joy.

And girl, you know you need that joy!

Get grounded.  Spend time in the Word and prayer daily.

Rise early or go to bed late – just make the time to dress properly in that armor. (Here are some ideas on how.)

This is one outfit you can’t afford not to wear every day of your life.

Go get your helmet.  Cling to your sure and steadfast hope. 

And rock that outfit, girl!

{If you have any questions regarding faith in Christ or living the abundant life, I’d be happy to show you the way!  And if you have a request or burden you’d like me to pray for, you can share that here.  I’d be happy to lift you up in prayer.}

Click here for Day 9: The Cowboy Hat!