Help Me Father Stay Alert

Michael E. Wood
February 25, 2012

Ephesians 6:10-18


" Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. 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. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 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.."

We often have need to be reminded that we are in a battle not with flesh and blood but against principalities and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. And it should come as no surprise that we should come under the devils assaults not only against our standing in Christ but our progress in the advancement of the gospel. Thanks be to God who has given us the Holy Spirit through the merit of Christ to not only teach us but to bring all these things to mind as we have need of them.

The protection of my heart and mind
Are always in Your hands
As You teach me how to wrestle
In Your strength which stands
Against all schemes and powers
Of this present darkened world,
As the devil with his wiles
Has at me darts now hurled.


And yet You cause me to delight
In knowing overall
You control by sovereign grace
The power of them all,
So that I might learn by faith
To use each piece supplied
Of armor that You’ve given
Through the death that Jesus died.


The belt of truth now fastened on
And righteousness as my breastplate
Is given through the blood of Christ
Who for my sin did compensate
And clothed me with the best of shoes
For feet prepared to spread good news
Of peace and over all the rest,
The shield of faith to stand each test.


And as a helmet for my head,
Salvation: risen from the dead,
To take the flaming Spirit’s sword,
The Word of God in one accord,
To know the wisdom and the mind
Of Christ, transformed in Him to find
Acceptance at the throne of grace
To plea for mercy in the place
Where every prayer is clearly heard
As promised by the Spirit’s Word.


So help me Father Stay alert
And persevere through all the hurt
That I might feel by sins remains
And trust alone in Christ, who reigns!