It’s time for Wednesday’s daily devotion. Yesterday, we began with the theme of God’s protection. Have you ever thought about how mightily the Lord protects you? Sometimes, there are complaints in life over what has happened. But have you ever considered thanking God for what hasn’t happened? Every situation could be much worse if your enemy had his way.
If Satan had his way, Job would have lost everything, including his life, but God protected him. Several months later, God restored to him double everything he had. The message is clear. Even though we go through trials, God protects us. And when we trust Him, we are delivered and restored. Let’s continue with Psalm 91:5-8.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
In today’s daily devotion, thank God that you are free from fear because He is with you night and day.
Fear Not
Throughout Scripture, God instructs His people not to fear. Mind you, there are things in life that look scary. No argument there; however, when you recognize how great God is, there’s no room for fear. God protected Israel in the wilderness as they were subject to terrors by night and day. They faced unknown territory, wild beasts, and warring tribes. But through it all, God was with them.
God is with you as you face life’s uncertainties. Today’s world includes terrorist attacks, mass shootings, random killings, and many other terrible acts. Daytime is no guarantee of safety. Hostility surrounds us 24/7, but we are not to be afraid. God is with us. In your daily devotion, say with confidence, “God is with me, and He protects me.”
Pestilence
When David disobeyed God by taking a census, pestilence broke out in Israel. It also broke out in the camp when certain people rose against Moses. Pestilence led Pharaoh to release the Hebrews from slavery. In Scripture, pestilence signifies God’s judgment and a call for repentance. However, we always see a merciful God who stops plagues initiated by man’s disobedience.
Even in the face of pestilence, or sickness and disease, God doesn’t want us to fear. God’s hand of protection is strong and secure. During a world pandemic, God remained faithful. You won’t understand everything, but never lose sight of God as your Protector. In your daily devotion, trust that no matter what happens, God is there to protect you.
Destruction
In the wilderness, the Hebrews were a large company of people, including warriors, yet they faced threats from enemy forces. Daytime didn’t secure them from flying arrows, storms, or Satan’s snares. But God didn’t want them to be immobilized by fear. They had to keep moving, trusting His protection.
In life, you’ll face destruction, devastation, and loss. However, you are encouraged to keep trusting your Protector. Peter walked on water as long as he focused on Jesus, but when he looked at the waves, he began to sink. We are encouraged in Scripture to trust God in bad times. God said in Isaiah 41:10, “ Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God.”
Thousands Fall
Under God’s protection, the Israelites saw armies fall. David subdued kingdoms, including the Philistines, who’d terrorized Israel for centuries. When three nations came against Judah, King Jehoshaphat prayed. God caused the armies to fight against themselves, and Judah “looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.”
You live in a different kingdom; you serve a different King. Don’t be limited to the strength of man when you serve an omnipotent God. Trust only the Protector. Praise God in today’s daily devotion that thousands may fall, but in Him, you stand.
Behold and See
Many times in Scripture, God’s people saw with their own eyes their enemies “rewarded.” When Goliath defied God’s army, David rebuked and killed Israel’s enemy. When Syria set ambushes against Israel, God dismantled them, and they ran, leaving behind their wealth. God’s people saw their enemies flee and be annihilated because of His protection.
Moses told the Hebrews to stand fast and see the Lord’s deliverance. Paul said to stand after having done all. Standing is your posture to see what God unfolds. Deliverance is yours when you behold and see God move on your behalf. In this daily devotion, take a moment to look to heaven and thank God that you can witness His protection.
Final Word
There’s a song, “What a mighty God we serve!” It’s true, and there’s none mightier. He protected the Hebrews in the wilderness, and He protects you in the wildernesses you face. So, fear not even in pestilence, destruction, or when others fall. In today’s daily devotion, behold and see, not only what befalls the wicked, but what happens to you when God is your Protector.
