be alert...

I have always loved the visual imagery this following verse produces, providing a picture in my mind of getting up in the morning and literally strapping myself all over with God's protection. I also like the idea that God has armed us for the fight, that He has given us everything we need. I often pray for God's protection and help, and yet I wonder if I actually took some responsibility and stuck by Him, if it would make a difference. A sheep in a flock comes to mind. Clinging close to his shepherd, he is already safe, he has chosen to remain under the protection of his master. But a sheep who wanders away chooses to step out from that protection.

How foolish I am to think I can make it alone.

'Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.'
Ephesians 6:11-18