Have you ever wondered about God’s protection? In this day and time many are wondering if God still protects His children. We are bombarded in the news with the violence that seems to permeate our society and our world currently.
As Christians, we need to always remember that God is on His throne. This means He always watches over His children, even when it doesn’t feel that way. His Word promises that “He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
At times when we feel alone, remember this: God is always with us. His Word has shown us time and time again that He is our Shepherd.
What does it mean for God to be our shepherd? In Webster’s Dictionary, a shepherd is someone who guides or guards. Webster also defines guard as to protect, watch over, a defensive state or attitude, the act or duty of protecting or defending.
If we go to the 23rd Psalm, we read that the Lord is our Shepherd and, as such, is our protector and defender and watches over us.
One thing we do know is that God is faithful to His word.
I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” – Psalm 91:2.
Have you ever seen a fortress? A fortress is a place that is fortified, or, in Medieval times, it was a stronghold built around castles and villages to protect them. Know that if God gives you His protection, you are covered.
God’s protection comes in many forms. He has even given us a directive to ensure our protection. In Ephesians 6:11-18, we are directed to put on the whole armor of God. God has given us armor.
Putting on armor protects you in battle. This battle is against the devil and his minions. Armor protects all parts of the body. This passage identifies who the battle is being fought against. You need to know your enemy to prepare appropriately for battle. God fights our battles daily, and all He asks is that we use what He offers to assist in that protection.
“Therefore, take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (v. 13).
This is what you are standing on and standing for. It lets you know you cannot go in unprepared and that God is equipping you.
“Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness (v. 14).
This is the start of your armor—the pieces you will be putting on and their purpose in protecting you. They will cover your waist and groin with truth—the truth God speaks in His word; chest protection is given to you by God for holding on to His word and being morally right.
“And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (v. 15). Foot coverings that allow you to stand on the Word of God.
“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (v. 16). A shield is protection all its own and is built on your faith in God.
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (v. 17). The helmet protects your head by delivering you from negative conditions that could hold you back; the Sword of the Spirit are the words God has poured into you.
Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watch there unto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (v. 18). This tells you that your prayers, humility, and asking for God’s protection reinforce the armor.
God has provided constant protection since the beginning and will not change anytime soon. Please understand that you can count on God’s protection no matter the circumstances.
God will always be our shepherd, our protector. And the one who watches over us. No matter what happens in your day or the chaos that may seem around you, know you are protected.
If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways” – Psalm 91:9-11.
You just need to remember that in all of this, we are to work with God by putting on the armor he has given us and making Him our refuge.
It’s simple and easy. Trust in Him always.
Yvette Asplund gave her life to God and was Baptized in April of 1999 and strives to continue to grow in her relationship with Him.