Armor of God: Belt of Truth

Armor of God:   Belt of Truth by Cynthia Greene and Sara Beth

In the previous post, Soldiers in a Spiritual War, we introduced the reality of the invisible spiritual battle that is taking place within our hearts and minds.  As followers of Christ, we are called to stand as spiritual soldiers. Scripture shows us what to do:

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”  (Ephesians 6:11).

The enemy, Satan and his demons, use various tactics to weaken and deceive us as they try to lead us away from living accordingly to Godly principles.  The stakes of this battle are our eternal life. 

We have not been left defenseless.  God has provided the Armor of God so that we can stand firm, walk in truth, and live in the victory and freedom only He can provide.  

Each piece of armor matters, and each one builds upon the other.  At the very center, holding everything together is the Belt of Truth.

The Foundation:  What is Truth

Before we put on the Belt of Truth, we must first understand what truth actually is. The first and most important truth centers around who and what is God.  Without being anchored in Godly truth, all other truth will fail at some crucial point.

Jesus said:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.”  (John 14:6)

First and foremost, truth begins with knowing that God was the Creator of all things.  Nothing exists apart from Him, and he has all power and authority.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and Word was God.”  (John 1:1)

We were purposely created in His image with intent and purpose. This truth gives us worth, purpose and identity.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…” (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV)

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which god prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)

God is all-knowing, self-existence, all-powerful, all-loving, with no beginning and no end.  He commanded Israel, “I am the Lord your God who has brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.  You shall have no other gods before Me. (Exodus 20:2).  He brought Israel out of captivity and He brings us out of the darkness into the light.  He ransomed us with the life of His son, Jesus Christ.  We no longer belong in the enemy’s kingdom. 

“Who delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of His Son.”  (Colossians1:13)

The truth of who and what God is will protect us from fearfulness and dismay. When we are paralyzed by fear and we become fearful. Scripture says the fearful will not enter the kingdom of God.  A fearful person does not really believe God and His promises.

 What is the Belt of Truth?

The soldier’s belt anchors the all the armor.  It is essential.  A loosened, belt means the solider is not ready for battle.  To be prepare for battle, the cloak is gathered and tucked into the belt so the soldier can move quickly and not trip.  The breastplate of righteousness is secured with the belt.  The sword is fastened to the belt.  The belt secures and holds everything together.

In a spiritual sense, when our truth is not anchored in God, our thoughts and emotions become unstable.  We lack the courage and will to stand strong against the attacks from the enemy.

“If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him, if we deny Him, He will also deny us.” (2 Timothy 2:12)

Spiritual Courage is decision to trust God even when fearful thoughts are swirling in our minds.  It is a commitment to move forward in faith and trust in God even when our thoughts are telling us to retreat, to run.

Satan does his best to intimidate us with words.  He broadcasts thoughts into our minds, hoping to paralyze us with fear and dismay.  Spiritual fear can cause mental and emotional torment and even physical ailments.

He whispers:

You are not safe.

You can’t do it.

God will not be there for you.

These thoughts are meant to wear down trust and pull us away from trusting God. As fear builds it can wear us down mentally, emotionally and even physically.

That is why we need to put on the Belt of Truth every day.  When we are secure in God’s Truth and His promises, we will be ready for the daily battles.  

How to Put on the Belt of Truth

Putting on the Belt of Truth begins with the God’s Word.

“Sanctify them by Your truth.  Your word is truth.”  (John 17:17)

When we anchor ourselves in Scripture it forms the foundation from which we respond, think and live.  It shapes our decisions, balances our emotions, and guides our life. When we believe lies about who God is, and about our worth and purpose, it only feeds fear, anxiety, and doubt.

“…casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.”  (1 Peter 5:7)

How to Use the Belt of Truth in Battle

We put on the Belt of Truth when we choose truth over the lies.  It means choosing not to react only to emotions and feelings, as they are not always reliable.  Instead, we need to remind ourselves of God’s promises and allow His Word to guide our response rather than our circumstances.

“Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…”  (2 Corinthians 10:5)

When thoughts of fear, doubt and discouragement come to mind, ask yourself:

Does this reflect who God is?

Does this agree with His Word?

Am I really alone?

Does my past define me?

Am I really meant to carry this burden alone?

Using the Belt of Truth means replacing the lies with what is true.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  (Psalm 46:1)

“we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  (Romans 8:28)

Over time it will become more natural to recognize the lies and then reject them the moment they come to mind. Over time we become less affected by thoughts and events happening in our life knowing that we can turn to God and rely on Him to guide and help us through all situations.

Instead of letting fear overtake you, pause, reflect on God’s truth, stand firm in His Word, and put your trust and reliance in Him in all situations.   This is how we build our foundation on the rock.

“…a wise man who built his house on the rock…” (Matthew 7:24)

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