Lord, don’t hold back Your tender mercies from me.
Let Your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.
Psalm 40:11 NLT
Series: The Breadcrumb Trail
Anyone remember clinging to a special blanket, or maybe a stuffed animal, for comfort when you were little? Maybe your child had a pacifier or has that “special something” you must bring on every car ride, and if it gets left behind—watch out! As an adult, it may sound silly to think of how much we needed that item to feel comfortable, safe or peaceful, but even all grown up we still have things we “need” to feel safe. We lock our doors, set alarm systems, have guard dogs, and even weapons.
As a little girl, my aunt crocheted me a blanket that I absolutely had to have with me every night in order to sleep. I still have that blanket in my keepsake box and every time I see it, it reminds me of how safe I felt when I wrapped myself up in it. My husband and I have a longstanding joke about this blanket because it came with me even after we got married. I convinced myself I needed it and for many years, I just couldn’t pack it away. Unfortunately, baby blankets wrapped around the head of a grown woman never made it in the fashion world. (Insert laughter here.)
Last week, Linda, our guest writer, shared about how God broke her stronghold of fear during a very tough time in her life. Although she was still uncertain of the outcome, once she released control to the Lord, she had confidence in His protection over her, no matter the result. We can walk forward in the security and protection of God without knowing all the answers up front.
Scriptures give us powerful examples of God’s protection over people who did not know their outcomes. God protected Noah and his family from the flood. He parted the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross on dry ground and protected Daniel in the Lion’s den.
In 2 Samuel 22:1-4 (NLT) David proclaims the security of God’s protection over his life:
David sang this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. He sang: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; 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.
In these situations, God was faithful to complete what He promised. Proverbs 30:5 (ESV) tells us that every word of God proves true and that He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. This should bring us the comfort we are searching for. God is our strong tower, not a child’s blanket.
As I reflect on some of my own experiences and sticky situations—I see God’s hand of protection on me. I know He is with me in whatever comes my way, and this truth gives me strength. God gives us security for all our needs (Philippians 4:19). He gives us security in our relationship with Him (John 1:12). And He gives us security in His promise of our Eternal Salvation:
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:28-29 ESV)
Knowing I am safe in the arms of my Heavenly Father truly comforts me more than any “thing” ever could. If you are holding onto something of this world – instead of Jesus as your source of security, I encourage you to read and pray Psalm 121 today. Let this scripture passage be a breadcrumb in your walk with Christ:
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Psalm 40:11; Genesis 6; Exodus 14; Daniel 6; 2 Samuel 22:1-4; Proverbs 30:5; Philippians 4:19; John 1:12, 10:28-29 Psalm 121