In writing to believers who were distressed because of the tremendous trials they were
experiencing, the Apostle Peter commanded, “Gird up the loins of your mind…” (1 Peter
1:13). In essence, he was telling them to prepare their minds for aggressive action, to
strengthen their minds for the battles they were facing.
The first piece of armor the Roman soldier put on as he prepared for battle was his belt.
The belt was a very significant part of the armor as it was tied around the soldier’s waist
to gather in the short tunic which he wore, keep the breastplate in place, and hold his
sword. The soldier’s belt strengthened his loins and enabled him to fasten his armor
securely, making him prepared to fight. To tighten or gird up the belt indicated a soldier
was ready for action. To loosen or slacken the belt was a sign that he was off duty.
It is time for you to prepare for the battle by “girding up” and strengthening the loins of
your mind. If you fail to do this, you are not going to be able to walk in the victory God
has planned for you.
The loins refers to the chief area of bodily strength. The entire body is connected to the
loins. If the loins fail, the whole body fails. The “loins” you are to gird up for battle
spiritually are your heart and mind–your innermost man–the center of your existence
from where all the issues of life flow forth.
If your heart and mind is strong and disciplined, if you know God’s Word and your
thoughts are constantly being brought into obedience to Christ–then you will be strong
and courageous during times of great trial, temptation, or attack by the enemy.
If you have a passive mind, you are an easy target for Satan. When your mind is in a
state of passivity, your spiritual senses are dulled. You are vulnerable to every attack–
deception, fear, temptation, oppression, depression–and eventually you will lose control
of your thought life.
It is time for you to rise up, to march forward in new strength with a one-hundred percent
victorious mind. You must not be intimidated by the power of the enemy. You must not
be fearful or cowardly. You must face the enemy with renewed spiritual aggressiveness
and a determination to defeat him in every area of your life.
As you go out into the world today, gird up the loins of your heart and mind. Do not let
your spiritual senses become dull. Be ready to face the attacks of the enemy. Strengthen
your loins before you enter the battlefield