AKA Negative Nancy

One of my nicknames as a little girl was “Smiley” given to me by Mary, the lunch lady. She too always had a smile on her face. I still smile a lot, even through pain. Lately, though I’m feeling more like “Negative Nancy!” I’ve been overwhelmed by hostility from people and circumstances close to me. Picture me with both hands wielding shields, covering my face and body, deflecting projectiles of insults and criticism meant to injure faith, destroy truth and kill relationships. Under attack are ideals, morals and my belief system.  I’m weighted down and begin taking on bitterness in my attitudes and responses. The shields are heavy, and I am fatigued. As I struggle to stay standing under attack, I am reminded of Ephesians 6:10-18. Yes, one of the amazing things about learning the Word of God, and I don’t just mean memorizing verses, but becoming familiar with it, is that verses come to mind at just the right times. As I drove today, these words of scripture came to me and absolutely opened my eyes and my heart.  Ephesians 6:10-18  "10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 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. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,  "

 If I hold onto the two heavy shields, I am unable to hold onto the sword of the Spirit. I may put down a shield long enough to hurl a few arrows in retaliation, but instead I should be holding fast to the sword of the Spirit. It is my greatest defense. What an illustration of how God empowers us to persevere! I put on the full armor of God today, and Negative Nancy is taking a hike! Welcome back, Smiley  :)