This Day-13 devotion is adapted from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones sermon "Be Strong in The Lord”

Spiritual Warfare

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." (Ephesians 6:10-13)

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones observed that the problem of spiritual depression was so widespread that he could spend all his time counseling depressed Christians. While acknowledging physical and psychological factors, he insisted that many cases have a spiritual dimension often overlooked in our materialistic age.

Paul's language in Ephesians 6 is unmistakably martial. Christians are engaged in spiritual warfare whether they recognize it or not. Our struggle isn't primarily against human opposition or difficult circumstances but against spiritual forces that operate behind these visible realities.

Lloyd-Jones believed that many depressive thoughts originate not from our own minds but from demonic suggestion. Satan cannot control believers, but he can plant ideas designed to discourage, distract, and defeat us. Depression often serves his strategic purpose of rendering Christians ineffective in kingdom work.

This perspective doesn't dismiss medical or psychological approaches to depression. Indeed, Lloyd-Jones—a medical doctor before becoming a minister—acknowledged that physical conditions require appropriate treatment. But he warned against the modern tendency to reduce all spiritual struggles to material causes.

The solution isn't self-help techniques or positive thinking but spiritual engagement: "Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." Note that our strength comes not from within ourselves but from the Lord. We don't fight spiritual battles with human resources.

The directive to "put on the whole armor of God" suggests deliberate preparation rather than passive victimhood. Depression often makes us feel helpless, but Scripture calls us to active resistance through God-provided spiritual equipment.

Today, if you're spiritually depressed, consider whether your condition might have a spiritual dimension. Are you recognizing the warfare around you? Are you actively putting on God's armor or passively accepting defeat? Remember that Christ has already triumphed over every spiritual force (Colossians 2:15). In Him, you fight from victory, not for victory.