What does your morning routine look like? It’s probably harder for you to think about than to actually perform.

Most of us sleepwalk through our mornings the same way every day, moving from bed to bathroom to breakfast table and out the door without fully waking up.

If you are able to conjure up your morning routine, think about this: at what point during your day do you start to think about God?

Is God even part of your morning routine? If your answer is no, you’re not alone. So many of us rush through our mornings trying to tackle the obstacles of the day without inviting God into our routine.

WWE

If you’re not spending time with God each morning, it’s like you’re walking into a battlefield without any armor. Because you are in the midst of a battle each and every day – a down and out street fight.

A street fight is one of the most brutal matches in the wrestling world. There are no disqualifications. No count-outs. Weapons are legal. No holds are barred. You can fight anywhere around the arena. You show up in your street clothes and go at your opponent until one man can’t get up any longer.

Ephesians 6:10-13 tells us there’s a wrestling match going on for your soul each and every day. There’s a street fight going on between God and the devil over you. The enemy isn’t holding anything back as he tries to steal your joy any way possible.

This should make you feel a few emotions. For one, you should feel special. You are so cherished by God that otherworldly forces are doing battle over you every second of the day.

Might you also feel a bit overwhelmed? After all, being in the midst of a spiritual battle can be daunting.

You don’t want to go into this battle alone. Ephesians tells us to put on the armor of God. But armor isn’t always what we pull out of our closet in the morning.

No one likes being told to protect themselves. We like to think we can do things on our own.

Most wrestlers wouldn’t wear armor to a street fight. They want the pride and glory of being able to face the punishment without the aid of protection.

Football players don’t like having to wear extra protection. Kids on their bikes toss their helmets in the woods as soon as their parents are out of sight. No one in your car likes to put on their seatbelt – until you slam on the brakes for the first time.

We like to keep God at a distance as well, attempting to do life on our own. Sometimes spending one night or one morning a week with God seems like enough.

If you are spending time seeking God once a week, I commend you. You’re on the right track. But it’s not enough.

You can’t just prepare yourself for battle on a Wednesday and expect that to last you Thursday through Tuesday.

When you only spend time with God once every seven days, you’re going into a street fight unprotected. You’re leaving yourself open to the attacks of your opponent. You’ll be able to fight for a little while, but the unmitigated assault will wear you down faster than you can imagine.

Your life is a street fight. Temptation is around every corner. Forces beyond your control are battling for your soul. There’s no shame in seeking protection from the ultimate tag team partner.

Where’s your armor?

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. (Ephesians 6:14-18)