The world we live in can be incredibly scary. Whether you watch the news or scroll through your social media feeds, you’ve probably seen plenty of instances of a world that appears to have freefallen into chaos. While the circumstances of everyday life can certainly be scary, the Children of God can rest in the assurance that God has promised to protect His people. In the midst of what seems like trouble on every side, the protection that God offers His people allows us to find a place of refuge, hope and peace in a world that offers just the opposite.
Exodus 14:19 (ESV)
Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them
In Exodus 14 we read about God miraculously delivering Moses and the children of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. As they trekked across the wilderness, the Spirit of God led them as a pillar of fire by night and a cloud-like pillar during the day. However, the pillar led them to the Red Sea which appeared to be a dead end. With the Egyptian army closing in behind them, the Israelites were ready to give up hope and accept the fact that they would either drown or be slaughtered where they stood. However, the pillar that led them to that spot went around behind them and positioned itself between the Israelites and the Egyptians. The Egyptians lost site of Israel due to the presence of the pillar, allowing Israel to miraculously cross the Red Sea on dry ground.
The same Spirit that led and protected Israel lives inside of you. Similarly, God’s Spirit will position itself between you and enemy that has left you feeling terrified. God’s protection for Israel has not changed, and He will protect you.
Proverbs 18:10 (ESV)
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
In Biblical times, a strong tower was a military tool. Strong towers were not only fortified, but they were also elevated which provided an army a place to run to if they were overmatched in the battle. The strong tower would give the retreating army a place to regroup while they were safe from attack and capture. Similarly, Solomon equates the name of the Lord to such a tower. As people of God, we can rest in the power of the name of the Lord. Once we are safe and secure in Christ, who is our strong tower, the enemy cannot get to us because we are protected by the power of who He is.
Isaiah 54:17 (NIV)
no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.
The prophet Isaiah doesn’t say that there won’t be weapons formed against you. He also doesn’t say that there won’t be people who falsely accuse you. However, in this verse, God promises Isaiah that the weapons formed won’t prevail and the false accusations will be refuted. Nowhere in God’s word are we told that we won’t face attacks from our enemy. However, we can rest in the promise that none of his tactics will work and his weapons will not prevail. Even when accusations are brought against us, God promises that His people will be protected and vindicated.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Once again, Moses was leading the children of Israel into an area occupied by enemies who outnumbered them and had access to better weapons. Even though they were outmatched on the surface, God told Moses to tell the Israelites to be “strong and courageous.” But how were they supposed to be courageous or strong in the face of seemingly sure defeat?! Because God was with them. Not only was He with them in that particular instance, but He promised to be with them at all times. God has also promised to never leave or forsake you, which means that what seems like sure defeat is really just another opportunity for God to be glorified in your life.
2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV)
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Paul’s letters to Timothy contain wonderful promises that you can use to stand against the enemy. By the time Paul penned his letters to Timothy, he had been stoned multiple times, imprisoned for spreading the Gospel, beaten with rods, shipwrecked, snake bitten and abandoned by the people he once believed were his closest friends. However, after all of that suffering, Paul highlighted the goodness and the protection of God. Instead of focusing on everything that had gone wrong in his life, Paul told Timothy about God’s ability to rescue him from every evil attack. The same God who Paul trusted in for rescue protects you today.
Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Another passage from the Book of Isaiah highlights the power of God’s protection. In this verse, Isaiah discussed two of nature’s deadliest forces: water and fire. However, God promised to protect His people from both of them. Whether they were dealing with the unpredictability of rushing water or the pain and suffering associated with walking in fire, God promised to keep them safe in the face of seemingly unavoidable death and destruction. No matter what you face, God’s protection is greater.
A Prayer for Protection
God, you know the thoughts that I think, so you already know that I’m scared. The situation that I’m facing seems too big for me, but I know that it is not too big for you. Lord, help me to focus on Your provision and protection in the face of adversity. Lord, you protected the Israelites in the face of destruction. You promised Isaiah that you would protect your people. You protected Paul in everything that he faced. I know that you love me as much as you loved any of them, so I’m asking for the same protection. Help me to recognize Your presence and walk in Your protection. In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.