Thursday Devotion and Prayer – June 15, 2023

                           Thursday Devotion and Prayer. June 15, 2023
                                                  “God’s Protection”

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” – Psalm 28:7

In the Bible, God refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep. And He says we are the sheep of His pasture (John 10:11-14). Sheep are rather defenseless animals. They do not have sharp teeth or claws to ward off predators. They are covered in heavy wool that makes them susceptible to overheating if not groomed regularly and vulnerable to drowning if they fall into deep waters. They are known for getting themselves into precarious situations. And they need a shepherd’s constant care and protection to stay safe and alive.

All the above scenarios are ways God lovingly communicates His willingness to protect and help us. He reminds us we can trust Him to care for us, especially when we are afraid and struggling with doubt and worry. The Good Shepherd protects His flock, even at the expense of His own life! God sees us. He is our source of strength and our shield from the enemy’s fiery darts. He longs for us to come to Him when we need help. We can trust Him, and even when we are afraid, we can sing praises of thanksgiving, knowing our hearts are completely safe and secure in His tender, strong, shepherding hands (Psalm 28:7).

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding us we are vulnerable without you. We face many dangers, and we are defenseless without You! But Lord, with You, we are safe. You don’t leave us helpless and defenseless. We are protected. You act as a shield, and You give us strength.

You are the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep. You care for us. You watch over us. You never leave us and always have Your loving gaze locked on us. Forgive us when we wrongly think about how you watch over us. Lord, sadly some of us feel as if You are an unloving force just waiting for us to mess up. But Lord, that is not how You look upon us at all. You delight in us.

And you sent Your Son to cover up all our sins and blemishes. When we are in Christ, You don’t see our mistakes. You see Your spotless lamb. You delight in us like a father delights in His child. And nothing can separate us from Your Love. Thank You for protecting us. Thank You that even though danger lurks around us, we are so safe we can sing! Thank You for being completely trustworthy and a secure place to run when we are afraid. We love You and trust You! In Your son Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.