God's Protection
We all have times in life when we feel a need for protection in various ways. Perhaps it is financial protection when the money seems to be overwhelmed by the needs. Possibly we look for physical protection when we are facing serious disease, chronic conditions, or even bodily danger. Sometimes our hearts need to be protected from emotional pain, deep disappointments, or soul wounds. And there are times when spiritual protection is needed as we encounter trials, temptations, or doubts.
In the past year and a half since the unexpected death of my husband of 53 years, I have intermittently faced challenges in each of these areas. As a college student, I heard a popular song “Rose Garden” with these words, “I never promised you a rose garden, along with the sunshine there’s got to be a little rain sometimes.” About the same time, I was introduced to the Gospel and chose to become a follower of Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. I naively assumed that only “sunshine” would be ahead. Even though I read of severe trials of Biblical disciples and modern missionaries, I didn’t give it serious thought nor expect that to apply to me. Of course, it didn’t take long before we encountered trials of various types through the decades (tight finances, cross-country moves for jobs, miscarriages, prodigals, cancer, estrangement from family members – just to name a few). And spiritual questions and struggles accompanied many of these difficulties. There were definitely “rainstorms” along the way!
So how do we who belong to Jesus address these needs for protection? Let’s go the source of truth, God’s Word, to look for answers to that question.
Financial and Material Protection
Matthew 6:25, 31b-33 (NIV) – “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?...Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you as well.”
Matthew 6:8b (NIV) - “your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”
Psalm 34:10 (NIV) – “The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”
Psalm 23:1 (NIV) – “The Lord in my shepherd, I shall not be in want.”
Physical Protection
Isaiah 58:11 (NIV) – “The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.”
Isaiah 40:29, 31a (NIV) – “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak…those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength…”
Psalm 18:32 (NIV) – “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.”
2 Corinthians 12:9a (NIV) – “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’”
Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV) – “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Heart (Emotional) Protection
Psalm 56:8 (NLT) – “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”
2 Samuel 22:31 (NIV) – “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of theLord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.”
I Peter 5:7 (NIV) – “Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Psalm 32:8 (NIV) – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye upon you.”
Psalm 34:17 (NIV) – “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.”
Spiritual Protection
Psalm 46:1 (NIV) – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Psalm 59:1 (NIV) – “Deliver me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me.”
Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV) – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and sound mind.”
In His love letter to us (the Bible), we find many promises that all our needs – material, physical, emotional, and spiritual – are seen by our loving God. They do not go unnoticed. He assures us that we will lack nothing important as He provides in His perfect timing and way. In acknowledging Jesus as our Provider and Protector, we can choose to relinquish all our worries and needs into His capable, loving hands. Throughout His Word, He reminds us of His lavish love and enduring faithfulness to us as His children. He tells us how to apply these truths in each of the challenging circumstances (i.e., “rainstorms”) of our lives: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 NIV).
As I am learning anew how to receive, embrace, and apply God’s promises to my current life situation, I can join the Psalmist in declaring, “How great is the goodness You have stored up for those who fear You. You lavish it on those who come to You for protection, blessing them before the watching world.” (Psalm 31:19 NLT).
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being such a loving Protector and faithful Provider to me. Hold me close to Yourself today and remind me that Your nearness is the best blessing of all. Amen.