There Are Enemies In The Brambles

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. (‭Psalm‬ ‭119‬:‭9‬ ESV)

This verse pictures the course of one's life like a path. It seems nearly impossible to guard this path any farther than a couple of steps in front of you at any given moment. The path would be long. You or I would not be able to hire enough individuals to stand guard over the future turns of this path. This is why it seems important to always keep our armor on while we walk. We never know when an enemy is going to storm out from the brambles to our left or our right. We must not neglect any pieces of the Lord's armor:

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. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, 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. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭10-18‬ ESV)