To Preserve and Protect

Today’s Reading: Psalm 145:17-21

Psalm 145:18 — The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.

God promises to preserve and protect. God promised Abraham, “I am your shield” (Genesis 15:1).  David said of God, “You, O Lord, are a shield about me” (Psalm 3:3). We need a defender, a protector, a life preserver, and God is that Person for us who call on Him.

We carry umbrellas to protect us from the rain and the sun. We apply sun screen cream to preserve our skin from the sun’s radiation. We wear thermal undergarments and insulated jackets to keep us safe from winter’s cold. But how do we guard our heart? How do we defend our mind and emotions from the things that assail them every day?

We have the Lord as our shield to keep us safe from the lies and the accusations of the enemies of our souls. God’s truth quenches the fiery darts of the enemy. God’s love warms our heart when the world turns a cold shoulder against us. When the enemy comes in like a flood, God raises up the standard of grace and the finished work gospel of Christ to lift us up like Noah’s ark above the waters.

God will protect you on every side. He is all around us and we only have to call upon His name for Him to come to our rescue. We should get into the habit of crying out, “Lord, save me!” like Peter did when he began to sink beneath the waves.

Think of these words penned by Martin Luther: “A mighty Fortress is our God, a Bulwark never failing; our Helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.” God will preserve and protect us from all harm. Yes, these bodies may be wounded, become sick, and even die; but the eternal part of us is safe forever, shielded by Almighty God.

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