4 minute read
“Rescue me, Lord, from evildoers; protect me from the violent, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day.” (Psalm 140:1-2 NIV)
God consistently protects.
People’s lack of faith this year is disappointing. In a culture that receives most of its news from the internet and social media, truth has become subjective. For someone to understand the truth of God, they must first know Him. People aren’t turning to God for protection because they don’t know they can.
‘Call to me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ (Jeremiah 33:3 NIV)
Faith defeats fear.
Placing your life in God’s hands is the best decision you will ever make. He is conqueror of enemies, victor of battles, lover of our heart. With Him, all things are possible. Without Him, I can’t even bear the thought. People in our country are living in fear. Satan is stealing their joy without even trying. They are living without God.
One of the joys of my life is my weekly tennis league. Last week when I played, I realized our court was the only one having fun. People were playing, but they weren’t enjoying themselves. Disputes over line calls were tempering the mood. I realized, as my eyes scanned the courts, COVID has stolen their joy. Before COVID, laughter came from all the courts. Now, I saw tense faces and heard no chuckles. My heart ached for the pain I saw.
Our role, as Christ-followers, is to lead people to Him. None of us will ever save anyone. What other people do isn’t our responsibility. But we are to set the right example; that’s what Jesus did for us. We are to take no offense when wronged, but instead, return it with love. Instead of forcing our beliefs on others, with grace and mercy, we agree to disagree. And when we need protection, we trust that God has our backs.
COVID is a topic I don’t like to discuss. However, I must discuss the virus because that is what people are talking about these days. My husband and I both had the illness. His case was mild; I was asymptomatic. We quarantined and followed guidelines. God protected us; we are grateful. The truth is viruses spread. God is the only one who truly protects.
Remind people about God. Our court laughed that day because God was in the center of our match. All four of us agreed, God was in control. When we discussed COVID, I reminded them of God’s sovereignty. Once we started talking about God, the laughter flowed. We all knew Who’s leading the way.
Lean into God’s protection. Show others, they can lean into God too.
Question of the Day:
Who can you set an excellent example for today?
Further Reading:Zechariah 1:1-21 NIV, Revelation 12:1-17 NIV, Psalm 140:1-13 NIV, Proverbs 30:17 NIV
