God is refuge and comfort for those
who trust in Him. We are not certain whether any specific danger assailed David
at the time of this Psalm. The prayer and call for God’s protection however is
appropriate at all times for the believer. The man that makes God his shelter recognises
the blessing and benefit God has already afforded him through life, and desires
for that solid cover to be over him and his continuously. This is what gives
rise to the utterance of our hearts and lips, as we appeal to God for that
which He has already faithfully supplied. It is a way of saying ‘keep doing
Lord, the wonderful work of sheltering me’; or 'keep holding me Lord, in your hands I feel safe'. There is in all of us a need to
sense maintained security and ongoing assurance of what we treasure. The
enemies abound, whether in a physical or spiritual realm, a true battle for survival
is taking place. Insidious forces, we are told in scripture, are at work to
defeat us in our progress, stunt our growth and derail us from our purpose, as
we serve God. Their ultimate goal, should they have their way, would be our
destruction! This alone is cause for being conscious of the need of the Lord’s
protection. In fact, the ‘watching’ part of prayer has to do with being awake,
alert and aware of the enemy, praying against him and seeking God’s protection
of self and others. Added to the ever present spiritual struggle, there are also
many physical factors at work, some even unknown to us, which in our overall
vulnerable humanity, undermine, lessen and detract, from an already naturally deteriorating
physical being. These would no doubt overcome and dissolve us, but for the
mercy, love and intervention of God. In truth, we cannot afford to take for
granted, even one breath going through our lungs, or one single beat of our heart! Our
preservation is God’s intent, but we must remember that it is for His glory and
purpose not our own. God knows our motive in asking His fortification.
To ask God that He protect us so we can go about doing our own will, desire and
task, without regard for His purposes, or in rejection of His values and
directions, is not only selfish but also foolish. To lean on ourselves, our own
means or the ability of others alone, and have no faith in the Almighty, is
also foolishness, we are warned that the ‘arm of flesh will fail us’! As
believers then, we belong to Him, and we owe God the trust that befits His
power, love and glory. He has reassured us that He will ‘keep’ all who believe
in Him and that no matter what challenge or danger may face us, He is able to
see us through. It is to the degree that we trust Him and lean on Him that we
will mostly see the hand of the Lord in protection, provision and preservation to
do and fulfil His will. Let's say it and live it '..O God in thee do I put my trust'!
http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion
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