by Kala Loptien

Guard and Protect

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But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11 ESV

When we moved into our current home, we invested in a security system. Even the presence of the “protected by ___” signage and the motion light alone provided us with a new level of comfort. The other night, though, I decided to actually “arm” the system for the first time in a few years.

As I punched the code on the screen, I envisioned an imaginary hedge of protection around the house. An alarm system certainly isn’t a failsafe. My family knows that too well. Our house, in a town of 400, was violently robbed while we were gone. Many rooms were unrecognizable. That’s a violation that never quite leaves you.

However, we have a choice during our short time on this earth. We can live in debilitating fear — afraid of the endless list of things that could happen to us and our loved ones. Or, we can trust our Creator to guard and protect us, with the blessed assurance that we know how this story ends. As we are learning in our small group study, we do have a role to play here. We are instructed to put on the full armor of God daily. Not only will we have earthly invasions (whether by words or actions); we also have an enemy in the spiritual realm working to rob us of every joy.

You know what I say to all of that? No thanks. We were made for so much more. Our God is already victorious. WE are therefore victorious. Nothing can separate us from Him.

If you (like me) ever find yourself afraid or anxious, turn to the Word and enable the floodlight on that darkness. The Psalms are jam-packed with both pleas and reassurance that God is our ever-present help. He is our protector, defender, comforter and shield. We are equipped with truth, righteousness peace, salvation, faith and the spirit. Remember to arm the system.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado