I recently shared with a friend who is struggling how I wouldn’t dare get out of bed without reading Ephesians 6:10-20 in the chaotic and overwhelming season after my ex suddenly announced he wanted out of the marriage. I usually read it aloud. It was a prayer, reassurance, and reminder. I knew my mind and heart needed to be in the right place before getting out of bed and starting the day. I did it because I wasn’t brave or bold enough—or stupid enough—to try it on my own.

Only God.

That lasted for months, but eventually my morning prayers came more easily. My words and thoughts flowed a bit better every week. But when I’d encounter Ephesians 6:1-20 in Bible study, reading, or another context, I would catch my breath. I was repeatedly surprised at the strength those words continued to hold. They brought back a momentary wave of those overwhelming, daunting mornings, but the truth of the verses immediately swallowed that wave. I went from feeling as if I’d be swallowed by a looming wall of water to feeling as if I was standing on a peaceful seashore with a gorgeous sunrise, reminding me of the promise of the day ahead.

That’s what truth does. It speaks consistently over time. It provides. It checks. It centers.

In case you need a good dose of truth today,

Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore,

with truth like a belt around your waist,
righteousness like armor on your chest,
and your feet sandaled with readiness
for the gospel of peace.
In every situation take the shield of faith,
and with it you will be able to extinguish
all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit,
which is God’s word.

Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should. (Ephesians 6:10-20)