Locked and Loaded

For many, this familiar phrase is associated with the command to prepare a weapon for battle. For others, it may simply imply that one is preparing for an imminent event. Either way, arguably; there is the common thread of being ready and prepared! For whatever reason, “locked and loaded” keeps repeating itself in my head.

Now I’ll be honest, lately, I’ve talked to friends and family members who have chosen to exercise their right to keep and bear arms; in light of our current political and economical climate. And most of those that are doing so are acting out of a sense of fear for the unknown... What’s next? How do I protect myself and/or my family? With that said, I could very well have lodged the phrase somewhere deep in my psyche.

Yet, I paused for a bit recently and shared with God how much I too, want, and desire to be ready and prepared for whatever is to come next. How important it is for me to be in a position of protecting myself and loved ones from any harm that would try to come our way. And I believe I heard God say that I was already “locked and loaded”! Because I’ve committed my life to following, trusting, and serving Him; I’ve allowed His word and comforter (Holy Spirit), to prepare me for what may come and be assured that I’m ready.

At a young age, my mother taught me the 23rd Psalm, a familiar passage in the Bible, which begins with “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want...”, and encouraged me to recite this whenever I was afraid. And it worked, because He protected me then, and is still protecting me now.

I’m going to remain “locked and loaded” in Him!