Breastplate of Righteousness

Whenever I think of a breastplate, I imagine a soldier in metal armor. It feels dated, a bit like the idea of righteousness can feel sometimes. While we may not see people in metal armor or use the word righteousness daily, they are still important for our spiritual safety.

A more modern idea of a breastplate might be a bulletproof vest. It’s there to protect a person’s chest. Some of our most crucial organs are under there, a primary one being the heart. While it is important to protect our physical hearts, the idea of protecting our hearts on an emotional level is also imperative.

Righteousness is being free from guilt or sin. We may not think of that often, but our righteousness is a gift we received when Jesus died on the cross. His death is the very thing that protects us.

As you pray for your family today, imagine a breastplate covering the most tender, life-giving parts of their soul. The righteousness of Jesus covers their hearts, guarding them against the enemy.

Lord, thank You for your righteousness that covers each of us and protects us from so many things. I pray that the fullness of Your righteousness would cover my family, protecting their hearts from anything that would seek to harm them. I trust Your righteousness over their lives. Amen