You're Alright!

We had a good appointment yesterday at the office of Piper’s brain specialist in San Francisco.  It was pretty evident that she has stabilized and with the exception of the loss of some weight (she is actually back to her normal weight before things started happening a few years back), everything else seems to be relatively the same if not a little better than her last appointment three months ago.  We had some really good conversation with the Nurse Practioner, who mentioned at one point about how various patients and friends of hers have spoken of how they learned who their real friends were when their potentially life altering health problems occurred… many times arising from the most unlikely individuals.

I was able to fully connect with their findings as we have experienced the same confusing and frustrating situation.  What also came to mind as we talked though was what I had previously studied in the Word earlier in the quiet of the morning.  In discussing the armor of God in Ephesians chapter six, the Apostle Paul speaks of putting “on the breastplate of righteousness.” (KJV)  As I studied that particular part of the armor I discovered many things.  First of all, that the breastplate covered the vital organs like the heart which in spiritual terms can be considered the center of a man - the real you - as well as the seat of your emotions.

Righteousness can simply be defined as being right with God or as I like to say, being right there with God – in His presence – right next to Him in the midst of all the events of your daily lives.  In fact, as I was contemplating this verse yesterday I suddenly pictured myself standing next to God as I listened in shock to the totally inaccurate accusations that were made against me by a few close individuals concerning my wife’s health.  When they were done the Lord reached out His right arm placing it around my shoulder and drew me close to Him. Then He looked at me and said “I love you Jim… you’re alright in my book!”

John Gill says that the meaning behind the breastplate of righteousness is “the graces of faith and love.”  Vincent’s Word Studies refers to I Thessalonians 5:8 for the description of the breastplate also being “faith and love.”  With this in mind, I think you could accurately say that God’s righteousness protects your heart with a close fit covering of His faith in you and His love for you.  Now that's what I call a REAL friend!

In the daily events of your life there will be those who may toss insensitive and possibly incorrect comments or accusations at you, but by wearing the armor of the breastplate of God’s righteousness you can easily deflect those arrows that are shot at you.  Besides, all that really matters is God’s love and faith in and for you.  I shared with my wife this morning that as I look back now, I wish I had had the breastplate cinched up a little tighter around my chest a few years back!  I think if I had I would not have been so wounded, offended and thoroughly shook up by what was said.

But… I have certainly learned a few lessons!  So my breastplate is tight, I’m staying close to Him and I am depending on His faith in me as well as in His uncompromising love for me to protect and guide me as we move along this journey in life!  How about you?  Why not allow Him to put His arm around you and draw you close to Him!  Remember… You’re alright (righteous?) in His book!  Have a great day!  Stay in tune to His Word, and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting today?”