There were days during our separation where I was so down it was hard to function. One thing I found helpful on those days was to speak aloud the Lord’s Prayer and the 23rd Psalm. Usually, a little while later I would have at least a ray of hope again. I looked at those two scriptures sort of like a soldier does his rifle. He never wants his rifle too far from him in a danger zone because even though it is simple it is his most basic defensive weapon.

In Ephesians 6:10-18 the Apostle Paul mentions one piece of our spiritual armor being the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. These two scriptures were so simple but so powerful for me. If you are struggling please pick out a couple of verses that give you hope and write them on index cards and carry them with you to pull out and read as a reminder that God is with you.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 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. ~ Eph. 6:10-18 (NIV)