In our desperate hunt for protection, it must be understood that we will not find ultimate protection in government, or retirement accounts, or the latest technological wizardry. “Security is mostly a superstition,” said Helen Keller. “It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is not safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”
Here are three steps to finding God’s protection when we are facing a major crisis or when our lives may be in peril.
- Know you have the ultimate Protector.
God protects us because it is his nature. God gives us ultimate security in an insecure world. His name is the Most High, the Almighty, the Lord, my God. God is high above every other power.
He is like a father that protects his children from danger. He is a “shadow” that protects us from the elements and outside forces that seek to harm us. He is a “refuge” that offers a place of safety and security when threatened. He is a “fortress” that protects from invading enemies.
2. Believe that you are safe in God’s arms.
Psalm 91 uses the figure of speech “under his wings” as an image of God’s power being utilized for the protection and nurturing care of his people. The word picture is of a mother hen gathering her chicks under her feathers in order to protect them.
It was this compelling image, God covering the frightened with wings, that became the inspiration of William Cushing’s beloved hymn, “Under His Wings.” In that song, the author successfully conveys the meaning of Psalm 91. When facing various perils God can be counted on for help, comfort, and protection. Cushing wrote: “Under his wings I am safely abiding, Though the night deepens and tempests are wild: Still I can trust him—I know he will keep me: He hath redeemed me and I am his child.”
3. Realize that you have twenty-four hour protection.
The effect of God’s protection should be freeing. We do not have to live in fear or worry. We know that our heavenly Father is watching over us at all times. He never sleeps. He never goes on vacation. He never takes a day off. He is always there. Watching. Guarding. Protecting.
In order for us to activate God’s protection take these three simple steps:
A. Reside with God. Are you walking in God’s presence? Are you continually conscious of God’s presence.
B. Rest in God. We spend time with God through Bible study, prayer, being with God’s people in worship. The closer in relationship we are with God the greater our assurance of protection.
C. Rely on God. We depend on God. When we genuinely trust someone we are fully expecting them to carry the load.
God’s protection plan depends on God not on us. Our proximity to God determines our protection.
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