Spiritual heaviness can feel like it hits from every direction—global tragedies, personal struggles, and the weight of a world that seems to groan louder each day. Ephesians 6:10-11 reminds us that we’re not powerless in these seasons. God equips us with spiritual armor, giving us strength to stand firm, fight wisely, and remain grounded in His truth even when darkness feels overwhelming.

Highlights


Spiritual battles are real, but God never asks us to face them alone.


The Holy Spirit empowers believers with strength, discernment, and courage.


God’s armor—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and His Word—protects us against the enemy’s schemes.


Darkness may appear loud, but God’s authority is final, and His victory is already secured.


Preparing daily with Scripture helps us resist defeat and stay rooted in truth.


The enemy’s tactics are predictable, but God’s power in us is greater.


Remembering God’s past faithfulness helps anchor us when the present feels heavy.

Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas!

Full Transcript Below:

God’s Armor for the Spiritually Heavy Seasons

By: Laura Bailey 

Bible Reading:

“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.” - Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV

For the past few weeks, I have felt a spiritual heaviness, both personally and as if I am carrying the weight of the world. Perhaps you can relate?

In the middle of you trying to figure out how to pay for your child’s braces,  another school shooting pops up on your news feed, and it's more than you can handle.

A friend sharing about a difficult diagnosis on the heels of learning about a public assassination is overwhelming. 

The tension in your church is growing due to differences in direction, coupled with the continued polarization of society, leaving your soul weary.

There is so much despair, desperation, and depravity all around us, yet as believers, we don’t have to live defeated. Paul, in his letter to the church of Ephesus, reminds them of the spiritual battle that wages all around them. However, they are not alone in the battle; they have the power of the Holy Spirit, who is alive and active in the lives of believers. Scripture is clear; it’s not a question of whether we will encounter spiritual attacks, but when we do, we must be prepared.

So suit up, brothers and sisters in Christ, put on the whole armor of God as you stand firm in your faith, rooted in God’s Word, strengthened by the Lord’s power.  Join me as we enter the battle each day, knowing that we don’t fight against the flesh, but against the powers of darkness, the prince of this world (Ephesians 6:12). May we cling to the truth that while it may feel that the darkness is winning, God is on the throne and one day, He will come again. Darkness will be defeated once and for all!

“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.” - Ephesians 6:13-17 NIV

Heavenly Father, we bow before You, and we humbly ask that You equip us for battle. We know, Lord, that there is a spiritual battle that wages all around us. We want to be prepared so that we don’t fall victim to the enemy’s attacks. While he is the prince of the power of the air ( 2 Corinthians 4:4), he is a created being, and You are the creator ( Genesis 1:1). Satan’s power is limited, and he is under your authority. We don’t have to be fearful, but we must be watchful, for the enemy prowls around like a lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).  Our adversary’s tactics are not unique, and his mission is simple: “to kill, steal, and destroy” ( John 10:10) God’s creation. 

As Your Children, we don’t fight alone! You’ve given us a Helper (John 14:26), the Holy Spirit, who teaches and reminds us of Your Truths. Let us feel Your presence, as we buckle the belt of Truth around us, holding up our faith, and giving us the secure confidence and support of the Scriptures. Let us stand firm, as we proclaim the Truth of the gospel, shielding the enemy’s attacks on the righteous. We arm ourselves with the shield of faith and securely fasten the helmet of salvation, protecting our minds and thoughts from the evil one. Lord, grant us perseverance and steadfastness in our studying, meditation, and application of Your Holy Word. 

Lastly, Lord, when we feel overwhelmed and are tempted to believe that all hope is lost, grant us the power of remembrance. Fill our hearts and minds with biblical Truth, guide us to recall all the ways You have been faithful in our lives, and may we rest securely that You will keep Your future promises. You are securely on the throne, with Jesus at Your Right hand,  to You be the glory, and honor! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Many of us are familiar with Ephesians 6:10-17, yet we suffer from spiritual amnesia. When we are under attack, we begin to feel defeated, instead of remembering that we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:31-39). Take some time today and write out Ephesians 6:10-17, and place these verses somewhere as a daily reminder to put on the whole armor of God.

Further Reading:
Romans 8:31-39

A Spiritual Warfare Prayer

Spiritual heaviness can feel like it hits from every direction&mdash;global tragedies, personal struggles, and the weight of a world that seems to groan louder each day. Ephesians 6:10-11 reminds us that we&rsquo;re not powerless in these seasons. God equips us with spiritual armor, giving us strength to stand firm, fight wisely, and remain grounded in His truth even when darkness feels overwhelming.
Highlights
<ul data-start="425" data-end="1036">
<li data-start="425" data-end="498">
Spiritual battles are real, but God never asks us to face them alone.
</li>
<li data-start="499" data-end="578">
The Holy Spirit empowers believers with strength, discernment, and courage.
</li>
<li data-start="579" data-end="695">
God&rsquo;s armor&mdash;truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and His Word&mdash;protects us against the enemy&rsquo;s schemes.
</li>
<li data-start="696" data-end="791">
Darkness may appear loud, but God&rsquo;s authority is final, and His victory is already secured.
</li>
<li data-start="792" data-end="875">
Preparing daily with Scripture helps us resist defeat and stay rooted in truth.
</li>
<li data-start="876" data-end="950">
The enemy&rsquo;s tactics are predictable, but God&rsquo;s power in us is greater.
</li>
<li data-start="951" data-end="1036">
Remembering God&rsquo;s past faithfulness helps anchor us when the present feels heavy.
</li>
</ul>
Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/holiday-gift-guide-2025/">Holiday Gift Guide</a>
Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide&mdash;from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there&rsquo;s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas!
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
God&rsquo;s Armor for the Spiritually Heavy Seasons
By: Laura Bailey&nbsp;
Bible Reading:
&ldquo;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&rsquo;s schemes.&rdquo; - Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV
For the past few weeks, I have felt a spiritual heaviness, both personally and as if I am carrying the weight of the world. Perhaps you can relate?
In the middle of you trying to figure out how to pay for your child&rsquo;s braces,&nbsp; another school shooting pops up on your news feed, and it's more than you can handle.
A friend sharing about a difficult diagnosis on the heels of learning about a public assassination is overwhelming.&nbsp; The tension in your church is growing due to differences in direction, coupled with the continued polarization of society, leaving your soul weary.
There is so much despair, desperation, and depravity all around us, yet as believers, we don&rsquo;t have to live defeated. Paul, in his letter to the church of Ephesus, reminds them of the spiritual battle that wages all around them. However, they are not alone in the battle; they have the power of the Holy Spirit, who is alive and active in the lives of believers. Scripture is clear; it&rsquo;s not a question of whether we will encounter spiritual attacks, but when we do, we must be prepared.
So suit up, brothers and sisters in Christ, put on the whole armor of God as you stand firm in your faith, rooted in God&rsquo;s Word, strengthened by the Lord&rsquo;s power.&nbsp; Join me as we enter the battle each day, knowing that we don&rsquo;t fight against the flesh, but against the powers of darkness, the prince of this world (Ephesians 6:12). May we cling to the truth that while it may feel that the darkness is winning, God is on the throne and one day, He will come again. Darkness will be defeated once and for all!
&ldquo;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,&nbsp; 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.&rdquo; - Ephesians 6:13-17 NIV
Heavenly Father, we bow before You, and we humbly ask that You equip us for battle. We know, Lord, that there is a spiritual battle that wages all around us. We want to be prepared so that we don&rsquo;t fall victim to the enemy&rsquo;s attacks. While he is the prince of the power of the air ( 2 Corinthians 4:4), he is a created being, and You are the creator ( Genesis 1:1). Satan&rsquo;s power is limited, and he is under your authority. We don&rsquo;t have to be fearful, but we must be watchful, for the enemy prowls around like a lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).&nbsp; Our adversary&rsquo;s tactics are not unique, and his mission is simple: &ldquo;to kill, steal, and destroy&rdquo; ( John 10:10) God&rsquo;s creation. As Your Children, we don&rsquo;t fight alone! You&rsquo;ve given us a Helper (John 14:26), the Holy Spirit, who teaches and reminds us of Your Truths. Let us feel Your presence, as we buckle the belt of Truth around us, holding up our faith, and giving us the secure confidence and support of the Scriptures. Let us stand firm, as we proclaim the Truth of the gospel, shielding the enemy&rsquo;s attacks on the righteous. We arm ourselves with the shield of faith and securely fasten the helmet of salvation, protecting our minds and thoughts from the evil one. Lord, grant us perseverance and steadfastness in our studying, meditation, and application of Your Holy Word. Lastly, Lord, when we feel overwhelmed and are tempted to believe that all hope is lost, grant us the power of remembrance. Fill our hearts and minds with biblical Truth, guide us to recall all the ways You have been faithful in our lives, and may we rest securely that You will keep Your future promises. You are securely on the throne, with Jesus at Your Right hand,&nbsp; to You be the glory, and honor! In Jesus&rsquo; Name, Amen.
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
Many of us are familiar with Ephesians 6:10-17, yet we suffer from spiritual amnesia. When we are under attack, we begin to feel defeated, instead of remembering that we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:31-39). Take some time today and write out Ephesians 6:10-17, and place these verses somewhere as a daily reminder to put on the whole armor of God.
Further Reading: Romans 8:31-39
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/video/a-spiritual-warfare-prayer.html">A Spiritual Warfare Prayer</a>

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.

Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:

☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It)
☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment
☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life
☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life
☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church
☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer
☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation
☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year

If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.
Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:
☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It) ☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment ☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life ☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life ☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church ☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer ☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation ☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year
If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/">https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.</a>

7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life.

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