I’m fascinated by the Iron Dome in Israel. When I recently watched news footage of this missile defense system in action, I wanted to know more.

According to Kurt Knutson, “The Iron Dome operates through a sophisticated radar system that detects incoming projectiles from approximately 40 miles away, calculates their trajectories and discerns their potential threats. It is a vigilant device that springs into action, firing a launcher containing 20 interceptor missiles to intercept any rocket deemed dangerous” (“How Does Israel’s Iron Dome Defense System Work?” www.msn.com).

I wish an Iron Dome was in place to obliterate negative thoughts before they fly into my brain. Those thoughts are designed by an Enemy who knows my insecurities and intends to weaken me.

I’m not defenseless, though. As a Christian, I have a spiritual Iron Dome. I just need to keep it loaded. I’m talking about the shield of faith. Notice the purpose of this piece of spiritual armor.

Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench

all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Ephesians 6:16 NKJV

Those fiery darts from Satan can attack at any time, and minimizing their damage takes vigilance. Like the Iron Dome, our shield of faith is not a physical shield. So, what are the “missiles” we fire to form a protective barrier?

Scripture. It’s a powerful weapon against Satan’s fiery darts. Jesus, fully human and exhausted, was tempted by Satan in the desert. After He responded to each temptation with Old Testament Scripture (Matthew 4:1-7), the devil offered the world to Jesus if He would bow down and worship him.

Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written,

‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”

Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

Matthew 4:10-11 NKJV

Last month the fiery darts caught me by surprise at their intensity. It was a few days before I was to leave for the Florida Christian Writers Conference, which is put on by Word Weavers International. I’m a member of a Word Weavers writing group in Macon, and four of us were attending this event.

Last fall I’d attended this conference, so I was excited about the available workshops and opportunities to meet with professionals in the Christian writing market. With pleasant anticipation, I was folding clothes, printing documents, and mentally running down a packing list.

Without warning, I was inundated with an onslaught of negative commentary in my head. “Why are you going to this conference? It’s a waste of time and money. Your life would be easier if you quit writing.”

I answered with logic and reason. “I paid for this conference months ago, and I write to honor God.” Still, the fiery darts kept coming, rapid fire, spewing accusations and condemnations. Finally, weary and frustrated, I stopped folding clothes and turned to my Bible.

I chose to read the Sunday school lesson and associated Scriptures for the life group I teach. By the time I finished praying, reading, and taking notes, an hour had passed, and I was at peace.

That’s when it dawned on me that I’d attempted to stop the Enemy’s fiery darts with inadequate weapons—logic and reason.

When using Scripture as a weapon, the power is not in the delivery. We don’t need to clutch a Bible, raise a fist, and shout Scripture at Satan, although doing so can be quite therapeutic.

We can follow the example of Jesus. Speak God’s words knowing their power against the Enemy. Memorized verses are excellent weapons in our arsenals. Keep in mind Jesus didn’t give the book name and verse number for the Scripture He quoted; remembering the words is most important.

We can also follow David’s example and sing praise. My favorite Christian songs, both hymns and contemporary, contain Scripture.

Singing praise to God was David’s practice when he was joyful and when he was under attack. This is what David said when he was fleeing from Saul.

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise.

Psalm 57:7 NKJV

David found strength in praising God through song, and we can, too. Ephesians 5:19 encourages us to be “singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (NKJV).

Evil attitudes, such as anti-Semitism and support for terrorists, are widespread both abroad and in America. It’s more important than ever that we remain steadfast, fueling our shields of faith as if they were Iron Domes. With unwavering faith, our praise will be a powerful light of hope shining in a dark and confused world.