I was talking in the previous post about getting rid of your armor. “But you never actually said how to do it!” I know, the first step is to make the decision, to want to get rid of your armor. Then, we can start the second step: removing it.
People that have never trapped themselves in their own defenses have always given me the same advice; trust God and He will provide. That kind of sounds likes where we left off before. I know it’s not fun to hear, and in reality it’s not helpful at all. So let’s talk about some practical steps that you can do in your day to day life.
If you are like me the first thing you wanted to do was just not wear your armor. Wake up and choose to be vulnerable. Well if you can do that, then I am proud of you. For everyone else, you will find that a second skin doesn’t just come off. My next reaction was to rip it off. If this is what I have to do, I will take the pain, even if I end up a bloody mess. Luckily I was listening more to God, which allowed Him to put a stop to that. It’s not something that will work either since you will be peeling off scabs for the rest of your life. Remember the goal is to be available and open for a special someone, not to be a trainwreck.
Your armor and walls are all based on negative emotions and feelings. God has a very simple way of dealing with those negative thoughts. Through praise, worship and thankfulness. Nothing negative can stand, let alone grow if you are in an attitude of praise and thankfulness. This will more than likely be a large change to the way you think. I know it was for me. When you wake up in the morning, thank God for the new day and the wonderful things that He will be able to do through you. Praise Him for who He is.
It’s always good to have some reminders so let’s look at some verses:
“But I will sing of Your power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; for You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.” Psalm 59:16 (NKJV)
“He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.” Psalm 62:6 (NKJV)
“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, Who rides the heavens to help you, and in His excellency on the clouds. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, and will say, ‘Destroy!’ Then Israel shall dwell in safety, the fountain of Jacob alone, in a land of grain and new wine; His heavens shall also drop dew.” Deuteronomy 33:26-28 (NKJV)
“And he said: The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; the God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, You save me from violence. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.” 2 Samuel 22:2-4 (NKJV)
Just start the day with a thankful attitude, and you will see how much easier life is. You will need your walls and armor less and less. Then you will notice that the pieces will just start to fall off. Remember to keep moving, don’t stop to pick up those pieces! You don’t need them anymore. You are replacing your defenses with God, and as we read before, there is no better defense.
This is a start to a lifelong change that will help you develop relationships with others, specifically with a special someone. I have to admit there are days where I pick up my old shield again and start charging into life. So long as we are open for God to change the way we think, He will be able to change our lives for the better.