Protected

Lord Come to Help.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Harbor Seal pups are protected.  When they are left on the beach by their mothers, barricade tape is put up to warn people to stay clear and let the pup alone.  When we lived on California’s Redwood Coast, we would encounter the same phenomenon with a rare shorebird when it built its nest in the sand to raise its young.  Humanity will occasionally spread protection to others.

God will always spread his protection over you.

“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”
Psalm 5:11, New International Version

I love the Psalms.  They speak of real life issues and needs.  The speaker frequently changes.  The one being addressed can change numerous times within the same Psalm.  Here, the Psalmist speaks to the Lord.  What the Psalmist asks of the Lord, the Lord does.  All the time.

The Lord spreads his protection over you.  It may not be barricade tape, but still the Lord’s protection marks you as special, an object of the Lord’s own protective impulses.  Our whole lives are surrounded by God’s protective grace.  Thus, even death cannot own us, and is powerless over us.

I acknowledge that there are times when we can wonder about the Lord’s protection.  We can feel pretty vulnerable.  Don’t underestimate the power of faith, the enormous power of trusting the Lord.  Continuously practice his presence in prayer.  Grow your relationship with him intentionally.  Trust his promises.  Trust his protection.  Live in them both, daily.

The Lord frequently spreads his protection, over us, through the people of God, including family, who surround us.  Never take those relationships for granted.  Don’t leave them behind.  Live as God intends, in the protective community of his church.  My wife, kids, and grandkids are some of the Lord’s protective layers over me.  So are my brothers and sisters at church.  There is protection in the community we enjoy with the Lord.  There is protection in the community we enjoy with God’s people.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO

About Don Schatz

I am a retired pastor and writer. I enjoy ministries of intentional spiritual practices which help people love and serve God, and love and serve the community. I am convinced such practices evidence the FULL LIFE that Jesus promises and the world needs.

2 comments on “Protected

  1. In this world, it is difficult seeing and feeling the Love through people. It breaks my heart that many are mistreated and living a life of lies. I know my redeemer lives in me and will help me as I trudge along. I love you and the family and pray for forgiveness all around. It’s the only way to get through this life and stay sane.
    God bless.

    • Many blessings to you in the Lord as you and he walk together each day. It is a blessing indeed to know that the Lord is with us, especially in the difficult seasons. May He watch over you and give you joy!

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