Finding God’s Protection

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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.

  1. 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.

 

Recently I wrote a book on Psalm 23, Soul Therapy: The Healing Words of Psalm 23, which speaks to hearts, quiets spirits, and eases loneliness. This psalm is a picture of contentment; it represents that mental state and physical place for which everyone longs. I share how Psalm 23 can ease and empower your life. Click here to claim your copy.

 

About Rick Ezell

I am a husband, father, pastor, and writer. This blog is about shaping character, transforming church, and impacting culture. I believe that if one defines their moments then their moments will determine their character and their character will influence their world. I write on personal development, church leadership, and our changing culture. I also write about the resources I am developing and the books I am writing. My goal is to create challenging, relevant, and inspiring content that will help you be a better person, the church be a better parish, and the world a better place. If you are interested in those things, this blog is for you. I have served the church my entire career as a student minister and senior pastor. I studied at Samford University, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Northern Baptist Theological Seminary (eventually I will get it). I have written eight books. My most recent ones are Chapter 13: The Excellence of Love and Soul Therapy: The Healing Words of Psalm 23. Both are available as eBooks. I have written over 1000 articles for various local, regional, and national publications. I have been married to Cindy for thirty-three years. We have one wonderful daughter. We live in Greenville, SC. In my free time, I enjoy writing, reading, running, tennis, and golf. You can contact me via email or follow me on Twitter or Facebook. This is my personal blog. The opinions I express here do not necessarily represent those of my employer. The information I provide is on an as-is basis. I make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information on this blog and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.
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