A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Eph. 6:10-12 (NLT)
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Rom. 13:14 (ESV)
Dear Lord Jesus, foolish me—once again I forgot that our greatest enemies in life aren’t individual people and groups of men, but the devil and his dark minions. Though you crushed his head on the cross, the devil awaits his eradication at your return. Filled with fury because he knows his time is short, he is actively seeking to harm everything you treasure and cherish—your church and beloved Bride; marriages meant to reveal your gospel and beauty; individuals—made in your image and being remade by your grace; cities—meant to offer a glimpse of the City whose Builder and Maker is God.
Jesus, forgive me for simplistically blaming people for most of the ills in my life and problems in the world. Though we harm one another destructively and inexcusably, there is one who hates all of us collectively. Help us recognize his snarly schemes (2 Cor. 2:11) and prowling ways (1 Pet. 5:8).
My greatest peace, confidence, and hope in the battle is you, Lord Jesus. As surely as I’ll dress myself with appropriate clothes for this day, so by faith, I choose to dress myself with garments of your grace right now. Jesus, you don’t just give us armor, you are our armor—our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. In you, there is no condemnation or fear; by you, we have everything we need—not just to survive, but thrive in life; for you; with you, we enter this day, dependent, expectant, and ever so grateful. So very Amen we pray, in your triumphant and tender name.