We are building trust in God within the context of relationship.
“Trust, take delight in the Lord,” – Psalm 37:3-7
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” – John 10:27-30
“But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
David learned, reflected on times of personal protection of his life, drawing spiritual strength (internal protection).
Psalm 23 Psalm 91 Psalm 121
personal protection injury illness, physical & spiritual attack that overwhelms,
“God’s got this.” Anything most worried about.
“Let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.” – Psalm 5:11-12
“The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.” – Psalm 34:19
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and mountains crumble into the sea.” – Psalm 46:1-2
“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by.” – Psalm 57:1
“Rescue me from my enemies, O God. Protect me from those who have come to destroy me.” – Psalm 59:1
“Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. The Lord will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” – Psalm 138:7-8
“O Lord, keep me out of the hands of the wicked. Protect me from those who are violent, for they are plotting against me. – Psalm 140:4
“My God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.” – 2 Samuel 22:3-4
When something happens where we don’t see God’s protection: “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” – Romans 8:28
What do we learn?
1. God provides protection.
2. Personal relationship with God increases strength.
What should we do?
1. Meditate on this truth.
2. Thank God for this truth.
3. Take refuge in God.
4. Encourage others to do the same.
Note regarding the application of these truths:
When our enemy tempted Jesus (Luke 4:1-13), asking Jesus to prove his identity as the Son of God by jumping from the highest point of the Temple (so that God would protect him in the way that is mentioned in Psalm 91:11-12). Jesus refused to put God to a test, quoting Deuteronomy 6:16. This is why we should not be presumptuous by putting God’s protection to tests of our own foolishness. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were prepared to die when they stepped into the fire (Daniel 3). Let’s not put ourselves into harm’s way needlessly. Let’s use wisdom from God as protection (Proverbs 2:11, 4:6). Let us make good decisions based on God’s value system of healthy responsible stewardship. Wash your hands for 20 seconds. Be willing to serve and accept responsibility for the outcome.