22nd September 2025
The Lord will protect
Terror will grip them, for God is with those who obey him. The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed, but the Lord will protect his people.
Psalm 14:5-6 (NLT)
Our five little kittens have reached the stage where they need to explore and become familiar with the world outside, and so they have been allowed some morning time to learn to climb the trees and play in the sun. It became a daily treat, but one day a voice, which I assume was the Holy Spirit said to me, ‘You better check on the kittens.’ As I stepped out the door three large hawks circled the yard, one so brash as to sit on a branch above my head; they were after the kittens. So, I gathered them up and play time was over.
How like us I thought. When danger is around us, God rushes in gathering us up, covering us with his feathers and we find refuge under his wings (Psalm 91:4). How unaware we are at times of the evil around us or the danger we put ourselves in. How many times has God rescued us I wonder? How many times has he gathered us up and brought us back into his safety?
We have examples in the Bible of times when God’s people have wandered away from his side. Trying to go their own way they fell into terrible times, but God called them back again where his strong arm protected and saved them. Our ultimate salvation is found in the cross of Jesus Christ our Saviour, who took on the sin that chained us and broke those chains, removed that sin and called us again straight into his arms.
Again Psalm 91:11-12 (NIV) reminds us ‘For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ And verse 14 (NLT) tells us: ‘The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.”’ What an awesome God we have. Every time we wander away, when danger surrounds us, we can trust God will be aware and run to our side. “When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them” (v.15).
As I think about the words ‘I will rescue and honour them’, I am reminded that he did just this on the cross and brought us with him as he rose that blessed morning. Not only this, but he will continue to hover over us as we are his own and always will be. The Lord will protect his people, granting them long life, and gracing them with his salvation (v.16).
Prayer
Merciful and loving God, how special and wonderful you are to us. You have proved your love for us over and over again. Thank you God for rescuing us and covering us with your protection and salvation. Thank you for loving us even when we were not so lovable and running from your side. Your faithfulness to us is so amazing. Thank you God for never giving up on us. We praise your glorious name. In Jesus we pray, Amen.
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Study by: Anne Gillam About the author: |
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About the writer:
Anne Gillam is a retired Pastor in Grace Communion International, Klamath Falls, Oregon, USA.
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