Protector

Psalm 26:6-8

Verse 7  The Lord is my strength and my shield;  my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.  My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.

    Today’s attribute that we thank Him for is the way He strengthens and protects us.  Even Sunday School children know that Jesus loves us because “He is weak and I am strong.”  That little phrase in the song Jesus Loves Me speaks the truth we tend to forget, or maybe ignore.  He is stronger than we are and He can handle the things which come our way that we wear ourselves out trying to do on our own.

    As humans we like to be self-sufficient.  We strive to be more and more efficient at everything so we don’t need to depend on others.  We don’t allow people to help us if we think we can do something ourselves.  Our independence may also keep us from offering to help others as we figure than can do it on their own.  But that isn’t His purpose in creating us.

    He wants us to see our weakness so that we can understand our need of Him.  Only when we admit our weakness will we be able to see how much better He can protect us.  Instead of complaining about slow traffic or a child who was slow getting around to leave, we need to pay attention to how God may be using that delay to save us from something that would cause us harm.

    Just as He cared for, protected and guided the Israelites in the wilderness, we can trust that He will take care of us, leading us on the path He knows is best for us.  He doesn’t always lead through the easy paths, but He will grow us along the journey because He wants what is best for us.  He has the ability to teach us things along the journey that lead us to be more like Him.

    The truth is, He can see things on the path that we can’t see.  He knows the pitfalls that are hidden along the path and the so called shortcuts that are really distractions.  The enemy of our souls will try many different tactics to get us away from God, but he isn’t stronger than the God of the Universe, Creator of all things.  No one can protect the way He does and that is definitely worth thanks.

Making It Personal

    When is a time in your life that God protected you from something?  Could you have protected yourself in that situation?  How thankful are you for the various ways He looks out for you?

Making It Personal Kids

    How does God protect you?  Why do you think God created you to be weaker than He is?  Do you thank Him for helping you?

Closing Prayer

    Father, thank You for all the ways You lead, guide and protect us.  Help us to admit that we need Your help in all things.  In Jesus’ name, amen.