Sword

I had a chance to pick up Sam, my 3 year old, from school last week and as a treat we went to Walgreens so he could pick out a special treat.  He chose a Star Wars lighted sword that had a small package of M&M’s tucked in the handle. He could hardly keep his eyes off the toy on the way to the car and by the smile on his face I could see we had scored.  But here we are several days later at Bible study and Jamie and I went to pick up Sam from his room and walked on to the car. His first request was to have his sword, and Jamie pulled it from her purse, and said mom you do not have any idea how much he likes this.  He takes it with him everywhere.  And sure enough he tried to get it into the pocket of his jacket but it was not deep enough so he happily stuck in his little jeans pocket. 

I bought a couple of extras for  my other little ones that I have not yet delivered, and as I was sitting in the kitchen I saw them sitting on the counter and remembered Sam’s quest to keep his with him at all times. It had become a pocket sword....that lights up when the button is pushed.  Surely, you know where I am going with this.  A lighted pocket sword.  Well just in case you cannot follow my quirky thinking, the word of God we know to be a sword, and we know God to be the light of the world.  And put them together and what do you get?

If we too were so enamored by a pocket sword given by God that activated his light at the push of a button, we too would be riding free ...free of worry, of guilt, of what is happening now, or what will happen next.  That sword of God can fight off the demons that 

seem to find their way into our thinking and our fears. There truly is a bible verse for every situation that we face on this earth.  But the general emphasis of all of God’s word is to get to know him and trust him and have confidence that he knows what is going on within us as well as around us.  His light shines on us and if/when we need help, guidance, forgiveness, protection or wisdom etc. , all l/we have to do is to activate the relationship that we have established with him and ask, and his light of peace will shine within our very hearts and gently settle us into a confidence and trusting resolution through his mighty power. 

I have to confess, that many times I don’t  carry God's pocket sword around, and so often times I do let the world around me unravel my thoughts, and my do it yourself attitude of judgement and self motivated ways boldly stand planted in a position of prideful adornment.  Jamie had Sam’s little sword tucked away ready to retrieve it upon request. Isn’t that the very thing that God wants us to do with his word.  To tuck it away in a carefully guarded spot and retrieve it on every occasion that God gives us to be in warrior mode, and for me that warrior mode could be personal or on behalf of others. A mode that says fight for what is good and excellent and right. 

A fight to banner worldly sways, and unworthy thoughts. We all have to contend with this in one way or another. But if we ignore God’s word and bury the sword in a place that we cannot get to it quickly, we forfeit our reward of peace even in the midst of chaos.  

I have the visual of my little Sam stuffing that sword in his tiny little pocket....and I know that is just what God wants me to do.  To want something so bad and adore it so much that I will carry it with me everywhere I go.  For His sword is the very weapon that has the power to stab the enemy who is vying for a rightful place in my heart.  And not only is the sword a sharp and effective weapon for battle, it also sheds a true light on darkness, the light of God’s love and grace and continued presence.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  

Dear Lord, I love the way can can take a drugstore toy and help me to use it as a tool of reflection of your love and truth. Help me to remember when I am packing up for my day to be sure and bring with me your sword of truth and righteousness, so that I can actively fight off the battles that are in my mind and as well as those that are on the battlefield of life.  May your light shine on my path as you guide me though this day and that very light be reflected through me in how I treat others.   Amen     

      

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!