Rhapsody of realities devotional - August 28, 2025

USE THE SHIELD OF FAITH
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:16).

There are times when troubling thoughts may run through the mind, creating feelings of distress and agitation. Some people think they’re just being emotional when this happens. But what they don’t realize is that the enemy often seeks to take advantage of their emotions by bombarding their minds with negative thoughts. These are fiery darts and missiles.

When such negative emotions, resulting from negative thoughts are left unchecked, they could soon lead to anxiety and despondency. These are signs that the adversary is attempting to create turmoil through the mind. But Ephesians 6:16 says, "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

At such moments when you find yourself wrestling with thoughts of gloom, use your shield of faith. Actively vocalize the Word of God. Remember, faith must be vocalized and put to work. You ought to declare, “I refuse to be anxious, fretful, nervous or apprehensive. I’m born of God and have overcome Satan, the world and its negative and debilitating effects.”

If you don’t actively use your faith against the missiles the enemy throws at your mind, the attacks may extend from the mind to the body. It’s the reason you must be quick to use the Word to cut out and expel all negative thoughts and wicked imaginations. Declare that your spirit, soul, body and mind belong to the Lord and are thus sanctified by the Spirit.

Your bold, faith-filled declarations put you over and above every assault of the adversary. The shield of faith quenches all the fiery darts of the wicked. Henceforth, if terrible thoughts come to your mind or something unusual appears in your body, maybe it’s a swelling, a hardening or any abnormality, kill it with your faith-filled words. Your words are not ordinary.

The Bible talks about the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word or “Rhema” (Greek) of God (Ephesians 6:17). “Rhema” is the spoken Word, the Word of God that you speak forth. So, when you face challenges, refuse to fret or be moved; rather, declare your victory in Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14 says “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ….” This is the victorious life in Christ; we use the Word against the enemy. We’re triumphant by the Spirit through our faith-filled words. Glory to God!

Prayer / Confession
Dear Father, thank you for the shield of faith by which I quench every fiery dart of the enemy. I’m triumphant by the Spirit through my faith-filled confessions. I’m sanctified and vitalized to walk in victory, strength and divine health, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further study
2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Proverbs 4:20-23; Ephesians 6:13-18

1-year bible reading plan
1 Corinthians 12; Psalms 146-150