Day 18
God is Protector
One who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will lodge in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” For it is He who rescues you from the net of the trapper and from the deadly plague. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may take refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and wall.
Psalm 91:1-4
“I’m worried sick.”
“I’m scared to death that…”
“This situation is really weighing me down.”
How many of these phrases have you said recently?
Life can be heavy, and sometimes our first tendency is to worry and try to control our circumstances. Can you imagine how Daniel must have felt after being thrown into the lion’s den for praying to God? What about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were cast into a fiery furnace for refusing to bow to an idol? Do you think Peter may have thought any of those same fearful phrases after being arrested, chained, and guarded by four squads of soldiers?
Throughout the Bible, there are countless examples of God’s protection. His Word tells in Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3 reminds us, “The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”
The devil is alive and real. He wants us to remain in a state of worry and fear, constantly facing arrows of doubt, deceit, and discouragement.
This is why we must put on the full armor of God to protect ourselves from the enemy’s lies. In Ephesians 6, we are told to wear: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.
How can we continue to worry when we are standing under God’s umbrella of protection?
Psalm 121:5 declares, “The Lord is your protector.” Verses 7-8 go on to say, “The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time and forever.”
It doesn’t say He will protect you from some evil--it said all evil.
This doesn’t mean we won’t face uncertainty or hardship. But we know that no weapon formed against us will prosper (Isaiah 54:17) and that all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28).
Isaiah 41:10 also assures us: “Do not be afraid – I am with you! I am your God – let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you. I will protect you and save you.”
The next time you feel distressed or afraid, remember that God sent His angel to shut the lion’s mouth, there was a fourth man in the fire, the Lord sent His angel to free Peter from prison, and He will do the same for you.
Psalm 91:11 “For He will give His angels orders concerning you, to protect you in all your ways.”
FURTHER REFLECTION:
Reflect on the many ways God has protected you. At the time, you may not have realized it, but looking back, you can see His hedge of protection over your life.
In the coming weeks, if someone tells you that they are upset or struggling with anxiety, remind them of God’s goodness and protection. Help them see that God has never failed them--and He won’t start now.
PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your protection. Help me to be grateful for all that You do, and to understand that unanswered prayers may be Your protection in disguise. When I feel down or discouraged, remind me that You are still on the throne and that Your goodness and mercy will always follow me. Lord, allow me to be a blessing to others who are in the midst of chaos. Let my life be a testimony of Your promises. I ask all these things in Your mighty name. Amen.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: 2 Samuel 22:3-4; Psalm 91:9-10; Psalm 18:2
by: Heather Morgan