“But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield” Psalm 5:11-12 NIV
There are times in life when we all are in need of protection. Little kids tend to run to their parents when they are afraid, confident that a parent can spare them from harm. We too, should have this same attitude even as adults, running to our Father who is a refuge from what at times can be a cold and cruel world.
Instead, we often try to solve problems ourselves. When a situation is more than we can bear, we shrink back in fear. God does not want us to fearful. If there is anything we can’t bear or undertake He is willing to offer His shelter. The psalmist wrote that God spreads His protection over those who love Him. He surrounds the righteous with His favor as a shield.
Thankfully, by grace, we are made righteous through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and not by our own works. We are provided the luxury that we may run to our Father when we are in need of protection with the same confidence of a young child. God’s favor isn’t “fair,” thankfully. He grants His grace and mercy in spite of our flaws and failures. He sheds His mercy even though we do not deserve it because we love Him and have faith enough to run to Him and lean not on our own understanding.
Bankruptcy is an example of a process that protects the debtor from his creditors. It is a lawful process that grants the debtor protection against harassment when the debtor has fallen short, unable to repay the debt. God is also a refuge for His children when we make mistakes and are subject to persecution. We can run to God for a similar kind of protection. God’s favor protects us even though we don’t deserve it. God protects us from complete downfall even as we suffer the consequences of our actions. The legal system affords the debtor relief from creditors but consequently the debtor will face limited financial opportunities. God’s protection prevents us from becoming completely broken even though we may suffer a few bumps and bruises along the way.
God, our Father, is the ultimate source of protection. We can ask for it before we need it. Our faith in God’s ability to protect us (even from ourselves) can keep us on the path He would have for us.
God’s protection doesn’t save us from every hardship, lest we learn nothing from life’s journey. But God is faithful to those who seek Him, have faith in His ability and know that He is in control. God can allow the winds of life to merely bend you instead of break you!
P is for Protection.
Thank you, God, for your faithfulness and your protection.
Heavenly Father, thank you for grace and unmerited protection. Thank you for Your future favor and protection, saving me from dangers seen and unseen. I know it only through You that I have made it thus far. I ask Your protection through my life’s journey. Please cover me and those with whom I have covenant relationships. In Jesus’ name we have confidence in your protection. Amen.
B Is for Blessed! 