5 Pictures of God’s Protection When Life Feels Hard
Scripture is filled with vivid word pictures that describe God’s care for us. These pictures bring comfort when we’re battling fear, discouragement, or shame. We have an enemy who is constantly looking for ways to attack, and when you feel like you’re in a battle, it helps to remind yourself of the word pictures the Psalmists used to describe God’s protection.
Let these pictures bring comfort to your heart today.
A Shield – Psalm 3:3: “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory and the One who lifts my head high.”
When David was fleeing for his life from his son Absalom, he prayed and affirmed that the Lord Himself was a shield around him and the One who lifted his head, restoring his dignity.
Often in your life and mine, we wrestle with shame. Feelings of failure and disappointment can overwhelm us. But David reminds us that the Lord Himself can shield our minds from those thoughts. He lifts our chins and restores our sense of dignity when we feel defeated.
A Refuge – Psalm 46:1: “God is my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.”
Trouble will definitely come. Earthquakes, floods, violence, illness, and loss are all a part of living in a broken world. Yet the Psalmist reminds us that we have a strong refuge in God.
The word refuge reminds me of Garden of the Gods here in Colorado Springs. As you climb and explore the tall red rocks, you find nooks and crannies that are perfect for hiding. That’s the picture of our God. When the enemy attacks, He invites us to find refuge and protection in His presence.
The next time the enemy comes after you, close your eyes, say this Scripture out loud, and remind yourself that you can nestle down in God’s presence and find comfort for your soul.
A Shelter – Psalm 91:1: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Whenever I think about God being my shelter, I think of the scorching heat of the sun. It reminds me of sitting on the sidelines at my grandkids’ soccer games in the blazing sun. I put up an umbrella, and instantly, I have shelter from the heat.
When life feels like it’s scorching you and the enemy is terrorizing you, remember: you have shelter.
You are under the covering of the blood of Jesus Christ, and the enemy cannot defeat you because your victory has already been won. The key is to dwell under that covering. Remind yourself often. Your shelter is secure.
A Light – Psalm 27:1: “The LORD is my light and salvation, whom shall I fear?”
The idea of light speaks to divine direction and guidance. Remember when the children of Israel were escaping Egypt and moving through the wilderness? God’s presence stayed with them in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to light the way.
You might feel like you’re in a dark place right now. Take courage. God’s presence hasn’t left you. He is leading you one step at a time with the light of His presence.
The darkness cannot overwhelm you because He Himself is light.
Look to the Light and take courage!
A Shepherd – Psalm 23:1: “The LORD is my shepherd; I lack nothing.”
Ah, with God as your shepherd, you have perfect comfort and care. You lack nothing!
He is the loving Shepherd who provides for every need of your soul. You are safe. You don’t have to strive or figure everything out. You only have to lean in and rest.
Hey, friend, I get it. Sometimes the enemy’s attacks are brutal. But we have a God who delights in being our shield, our refuge, our shelter, our light, and our shepherd.
Relax. He’s got it all, and you are safe with Him.
This week on the Connected Mom Podcast, we’re talking with author and speaker Grace Fox about how understanding the names of God can help calm our anxiety. I’d love for you to join us!
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