The Soft Armor of a Loving God

By: JANA GREENE

If no weapon formed against me shall prosper, I could only infer that includes the woes of today, the drumbeats of war, lives lost needlessly – this is no time to lose our faith. We are on a literal assignment from God, like the Blues Brothers.

As Elwood said, “It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses. We’re on a mission from God!”

(Translation: It’s in fact miles from where we belong, but God has provisioned us, and given us hope, especially in the dark.)

Same brothers.

Almighty God,

Where I am bent on warring with myself, help me to remember that you are not the one calling the battle cry, and working all things for the good.

Help me stop consuming so much doom, because doom is never from you.

When the sword of truth is forged, let me remember not to use it as an implement of pain; but instead, use it to protect my peace.

When I want to throw self-righteous stones at wrongdoers, remind me that I live in a glass house myself.

When I turn the pistol of shame against myself, remind me that you have emptied the weapon’s chambers, and filled the chambers of my heart with your love.

When life cuts like a thousand knives, you are not the one holding the hilt, nor did you forge the iron. Thank you for being a soft place to recover.

You do not authorize pain, but your love is our medicine, no matter the ailment.

As we bear witness to all kinds of desolation, bigotry, and hatred, let us not lose the hope.

Sometimes, that’s all you knew on this earth, Jesus – despair!

Lord, we war against our own minds, stunting; tormenting and choking our spirits. Let us show ourselves grace.

Because believing the worst things about ourselves is not the humbleness you had in mind, but a misguided martyrdom to feel holy.

“Woe is me, I’m such a screwed-up human. Who shall save me from ME?”

But you say, “No woefulness required. You’re such a well-loved human. Lay down your weapons; love is a much better tactic. It’s time you realize your identity, oh anxious one. Go tell the others too.”

GO TELL THE OTHERS! That is your gospel.

We are taught our minds are evil above all else, but that is a remnant of the old covenant, not a sentiment from you – as I understand you are love.

God, it’s rough here in the world that you so loved. Why wouldn’t we arm ourselves or protect our own value with harsh words, heavy-handed self-righteousness, and “heavenly” battle preparedness?

Them’s fighting’ words!

But I myself have had enough war.

I’ve learned that your armor is soft and comfortable, a suit of protection, a covering of pure love.

It is not only worn, but woven into our very souls. It’s part of us.

It fits like peace and is tailored for truth. It isn’t heavy or uncomfortable; unwieldy or confining, but fits like a glove.

There may be chinks in our armor, but that’s okay.

I’m enough, chinks in my armor and all.

For such a time as this, here and now, we are on a mission from you, Lord. To spread the gospel of love, even in times of war.

Amen.

– JANA GREENE