Tiptoeing around construction projects, I joined my husband as he talked with church members working on renovations to our building. As I waited patiently for them to finish, I noticed a little hole in my husband’s glove just below the knuckle of his finger. He explained that the guard on the high-powered grinder had moved while he was using it. The diamonds on his wedding band took the force of the fast-spinning blade. His finger spared, the only signs of the accident were the reduced size of the diamonds and the small hole in his glove.
Living our lives for Jesus doesn’t eliminate the risk or possibility of pain. Instead, Scripture calls us to a strong, enduring faith as it states, “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” (2 Samuel 22:2-3).
David knew well the exhaustion of being continually threatened by a relentless enemy (2 Samuel 22:5-7). But just as he was familiar with the sweat, pain, and angst of battle, he drew great strength from his own testimonies of God’s protection (2 Samuel 22:20). He wasn’t a passive bystander rehearsing Scripture verses he had memorized as a child. He was an imperfect son whose very life depended on the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Not only was David’s footing made sure through his obedience (2 Samuel 22:21), but he found peace in the awesome power of God, who loved him intimately. Long before he faced any battle, David had already decided that God was both good and true.
May we take counsel from this man who, though honest about his adversities still declared the truth of God’s shielding and protecting ways (2 Samuel 22:31,36).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 7:13-29
More:
Read 2 Timothy 3:10-17 and consider how Scripture becomes our protection in a world where darkness masquerades as light.
Next:
Where do you need to see God’s provision in a visible way? What have you been declaring? How can recalling God’s goodness in the past help you to see His deliverance again?
Gary Shultz on July 4, 2016 at 6:17 am
Hi Regina, this ties in so nicely with yesterday’s article. We aren’t bullet proof, but we should/need to know our Father better. It is hard to regroup from some of life’s punches and I know God knows that. As Sheridan pointed out, Christ agonized greatly before His sacrifice at the cross. As in most things in life a bow can not be neatly tied around them. Repeated attacks weaken the human heart and God wants us to come to Him. I think you are also correct as you indicate having a verse for everything is not always the comfort we need, it is having that deeper relationship with Him, knowing who He is and He will always be faithful and true, caring for us as His children. Thanks Regina, sorry about the ring, the scars will give it new meaning.
hsnpoor on July 4, 2016 at 11:14 am
Happy 4th of July! Just wanted to let everyone know that Sandy is out of the hospital and back at home and will not have to have heart surgery, after all! She’s very weak and still has a lot of recovering to do, but she’s on her way back to health. Thank you all for your prayers, on her behalf, and please don’t stop. Blessings to all!
godlove on July 4, 2016 at 11:34 am
Thanks for this very good news. The Lord’s Name be praised. God is good all the time!
gagirllive on July 4, 2016 at 5:52 pm
Praise the Lord! Thank You, Father, for your healing touch and for all the good that has come of this trial in the life and family of our dear sister Sandy. Continue to show Yourself strong in her life, and may those around her be a witness to your love and faithfulness. Be glorified in all of this, Father, as we continue to trust You for the days ahead. In the matchless name of Your Son Jesus we pray. Amen.
godlove on July 4, 2016 at 11:29 am
Thank you for this reminder, Regina, I needed it today. Just like for David, I always gather a lot of courage and trust in God’s power from my own testimonies of His work in my life. Sometimes verses of Scripture on their own don’t bring as much relief in times of distress or anxiety as remembering all the great things God has already done in my life. Also, it’s true that living a godly life doesn’t mean we won’t ever face any difficulties anymore (as Paul points out in the passage from the “More” section) but instead we must be prepared to endure trials through faith, always trusting in God’s promises from the Bible. As David affirms in verse 31, “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.” May the Lord shield us and grant us the strength to persevere and remain faithful at all times, for to the faithful God shows Himself faithful (verse 26). Blessed week to all.
Gary Shultz on July 4, 2016 at 7:45 pm
Thanks so much Kim for keeping us in the loop. I hope Sandy gains strength quickly.