My computer has become a test of my patience. Beyond sluggish, it takes at least 10 minutes to boot up due to it being infected with viruses and malware. Being an impatient, impulsive button-pusher, I have to walk away after I turn it on. Otherwise, I’m tempted to hurry the process by striking a key too soon. Trying to keep it virus-free, my husband installed a spyware program. While security software is necessary in today’s technologically viral world, we’ve learned that the quality of protection is more important than the quantity.
Self-protection is a strong, instinctual drive in all of us. We blindly believe that our well-being is most secure when we’re in control. If life becomes uncertain—or we experience painful circumstances—we can fall prey to our pride. We can begin to believe that we’re more capable of watching out for ourselves than God is. What we don’t realize, however, is that depending on ourselves leaves us sluggish to respond to the Holy Spirit’s direction. Contrary to what our flesh tells us, control does not guarantee safety (Psalm 62:5-7). If anything, it leaves us more vulnerable.
Psalm 32:7 says: “You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.” We can’t say that God is our protection and then insist on having control. To trust means to rest in the strength of something or Someone beyond ourselves (Psalm 62:6; Proverbs 3:5). We must remember:
• God is our only salvation (Psalm 62:1-4).
• God is our only hope (Psalm 62:5-8).
• God is our only strength (Psalm 62:9-12).
Now, that’s true protection!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Kings 2:1-12
More:
Read Judges 9 to see what happens when we trust in the schemes of man.
Next:
In what ways do you try to protect yourself from getting hurt by others? How do these “self- protective” measures keep you from trusting God?
alegria on April 23, 2011 at 6:41 am
Awesome devotional Regina. Life has recently thrown our family several situations where we need to fully trust in Him and not rely on trying to control things on our own. How good it is to be reminded that He is: our salvation, our hope, and our strength. You’ve blessed me today. Thanks!
daisymarygoldr on April 28, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Regina, you are right. The Bible tells us not to trust in man, horses, chariots etc. Yes, in God alone we should trust. But here is how I see His true protection. God protects us by giving us the wisdom for self-protection. To your Q: In what ways do you try to protect yourself from getting hurt by others? If I am getting hurt by someone repeatedly, then wisdom is to pluck myself off from their destructive path.
The sensible, will not stand in the path of a charging bull and expect God to protect them. It is wiser to shield ourselves from harmful people or situations than to suffer the painful consequences. I am not saying that we should cloister ourselves inside a shell or be a sensitive touch-me-not. However, to let down our guard of precaution makes us more vulnerable to getting victimized.
A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences (Proverbs 22:3). When faced with evil we must protect ourselves to flee from it. David defended himself by dodging King Saul’s javelin of jealousy. Although it was God who had protected David, he had to actually flee and protect himself from getting killed, several times.
And like David we cannot take credit for our security. God is our only source of protection whether He provides it directly by supernatural means or by giving us the right presence of mind. I do agree about the danger of being in control. Yes, we do not depend on ourselves and our schemes, but in the directions of the Holy Spirit. Thanks for reminding us to trust God!