I still remember that trip to a museum where me and my dad saw Terracotta Warriors. I was so amazed and frightened at the same time to see those life-sized sculptures of an army supposedly tasked to protect the first emperor of China even in the after life.
As present-day followers of Jesus, we are not only assured of a happy and peaceful afterlife, we are also assured of an abundant life even while even here on earth. This is because we have a God that protects us from distresses just by abiding in Him.
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.” Psalm 138:7
Time and again, the great King David rested on God’s protection. He might have had his share of weaknesses and failures, but He continued to trust in God’s help, protection, and providence for his life.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
As present day believers, we can emulate King David’s example as we continue to pray and be confident of God’s help as we face trials in life. We can hold on to God’s promise of protection:
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
And our gracious God does not only protect us physically. More importantly, He guards our hearts and minds. Having conquered death, our Savior Jesus Christ has eliminated the sting of sin and allowed each of us to turn over a new leaf, and lead brand new lives. The Gospel of John captures the Messiah’s heart to protect us, His followers:
“I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:15-17
The moment we decide to stop living our sinful life and surrender our life to Jesus, we begin our journey of following Him and His teachings. And following Him automatically shields us from the unnecessary consequence of sins.
When we obey His commands we do not get into conflict with the law; we are shielded from having relationship issues, and we do not suffer the effects of envying and coveting what we do not have. Moreover, a life of obedience gives us the confidence that God is with us as we face hardships and inevitable difficulties in life.
“The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8
Our minds and hearts are also protected with the truth that life challenges are temporary, because our life here on earth is not final. That this world is not our final destination. That there is an eternity waiting for us, where we will no longer have to go through pain and struggles, because we will be united with out loving Heavenly Father who only has our best interest in mind.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on Psalm 23 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you pray for God’s protection? Are you confident about God’s loving hand that secures you from all trouble?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for protecting us from physical and spiritual distresses. Grant us please the confidence to continue seeking your protection and love everyday of our lives. Amen.