4 minute read
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.” (Psalm 138:7 NIV)
God preserves you.
God is the ultimate protector. We don’t even know He’s protecting us when He is protecting us. When people pull away from us, chasing after them isn’t always the best option. Sometimes, God removes people from our lives as a form of protection. Unexpected delays are ways God keeps us out of the wrong place at the wrong time. One of my favorite cartoons from years ago: a little boy sleeping soundly in his bed, meanwhile outside the window, a police officer is arresting a thief. The child had no clue he was ever in danger. How many times has God acted on our behalf, and we never knew it?
When I was in college, rebelling against God, He protected me anyway. On more than one occasion, excessive drinking put me in perilous situations. When I say, “By the Grace of God, there go I,” it’s the understatement of the year. God protected me from car accidents, men who could have taken advantage of me, and my own bad choices. Each day, He was with me and I was clueless. One night, I walked over a mile in the snow, without a coat, to get home from a party. Praise Jesus, I didn’t freeze to death. He carries us in His hand.
His time, His way.
God has a purpose for each of us. He knows why He put us here on earth, and what He wants us to do for Him. When that time is up, we will go back home to Him:
“For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21 NIV)
People often ask me, “Why did God let so-and-so die?” In other words, “Why didn’t God protect them from death?” Death is a part of life we all have to come to terms with at some point or another. God’s word is clear, a limit exists to our days on earth. God protects us while we’re on earth so we can do His work. When our job is complete, He calls us home.
Whatever trouble you’re facing today, God is with you. He is protecting you, covering you with His hand. Trust that in His time and His way, this too shall pass. As you move through this storm, keep the Son in your eyes. Remember, Jesus calms the waves:
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” (Mark 4:39 NIV)
God protects you in the storm. His peace reigns over any adversity.
Question of the Day:
How has God protected you in your life?
Further Reading: Zephaniah 1:1-3:20 NIV, Revelation 10:1-11 NIV, Psalm 138:1-8 NIV, Proverbs 30:11-14 NIV
