Yikes, it’s hot! And the humidity makes it even worse. Ugh! 

There is the actual temperature, and then there is the “feels like” temperature. According to the iPhone weather application, “The Feels Like temperature is affected by humidity, sunlight, and wind.” This is how the heat index and wind chill are determined. So basically, the way the temperature feels is influenced by other factors. 

I think life is like that too. How we feel is oftentimes influenced by other factors. Maybe our feelings are impacted by a situation we are dealing with or an obstacle we are facing. Regardless, we all face such challenges daily that affect how we feel.

Furthermore, just like needing to take precautions for the weather due to the “feels like” temp, maybe we need to take precautions in our day to day lives, as well. A big part of doing this is to put on the armor of God. In Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT) we learn:

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

Too often I think we go through our days forgetting to take precautions “against all strategies of the devil.” I know that I am quick to open my weather app to check the day’s temperature so that I can dress accordingly. Maybe the heat index indicates that shorts are in order, or the wind chill factor calls for thermals. How quickly, though, am I opening my Bible to check my heart and my mind?

Goodness gracious! I needed to be reminded of this! 

We need to stand firm and resist the daily dark and unseen battles that attempt to influence our feelings that in turn affect our behavior — behavior that may be blustery and cold or heated and hot-tempered. We can only do this by clothing ourselves to withstand such elements.  

So remember to put on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. Then put on your shoes, the peace ones, the shoes that come from the Good News. After that don’t just grab the shield, hold up the shield of faith. It’s the only way to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. After all that, remember to put on your helmet — the salvation one, and take your sword of the Spirit – your Bible, because it is “sharper than any double-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12, NIV).

Then after you’ve suited up for the day, pray. Pray in each and every single moment. Stay alert, my friends. Let’s not allow the world around us (seen or unseen) to influence how we feel. Put on God’s armor and let the Son shine through you even on the cloudiest of days.