GOD'S PROTECTION
- Jan 17, 2024
- 2 min read
The Upper Room Devotion for Wednesday Janurary 17th, 2024 was written by David Anglen of Texas, USA
Scripture
1Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
until the destroying storms pass by.
2I cry to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
3He will send from heaven and save me,
he will put to shame those who trample on me.
God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness.
4I lie down among lions
that greedily devour human prey;
their teeth are spears and arrows,
their tongues sharp swords.
5Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.
6They set a net for my steps;
my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my path,
but they have fallen into it themselves.
7My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast.
I will sing and make melody.
8Awake, my soul!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn.
9I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
10For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens;
your faithfulness extends to the clouds.
11Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.
Psalm 57:1-11 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
My wife and I operate a small farm. One evening, we were away from home when we received a call from our neighbor who told us that one of our cows was having her calf in the pasture. The time immediately after birth can be dangerous for both the mother and the newborn since both are weak and the birth process often attracts predators.
It was dark when we go home. After getting our flashlights and going out to the pasture, we were rewarded with the sight of a healthy newborn calf lying beside its mother. We also found our llamas and our livestock guardian dog standing in a circle around the cow and calf. The llamas and dog provided comfort and protection to their vulnerable charges. As we moved the cow and her calf to the shelter of the barn, we were escorted by the llamas and dog.
For me, that was a memorable illustration of the protection and refuge God provides. We may not face the same physical threats as livestock, but we do face fear, worry, temptation, loneliness, and grief that prey on our relationship with God. When I look back at difficult times in my life, I can see that God provided protection and comfort, often in the form of support from fellow Christians. Just as the llamas and dog provided protection and comfort to the cow and her calf, God provides protection and comfort to us.
Thought for the Day
God is my refuge, expecially when I am the most vulnerable.
Author's Prayer
Our Father, thank you for the many ways you comfort us when we are vulnerable. Help us always to find our refuge in you. Amen.
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