Protected. We spend a lot of time, energy and money trying to protect ourselves. I know for instance, in our home we have smoke alarms that also detect carbon monoxide, sprinklers in case a fire breaks out, and an alarm system on our home in case there is an intruder. But all these things are reactive. They tell us when danger is happening not before the danger even exist. We strive to protect ourselves, but God offers a deeper kind of protection, one that knows the danger coming and goes beyond our ability to anticipate it.
That’s exactly what God originally designed for us. In the garden, God protected Adam and Eve from the effects of sin. But when they ate from the tree of knowledge, they became exposed to sin and evil on a personal, intimate level. Though sin is now part of our world, God remains our protector, offering His presence and guidance in the middle of the brokenness.
Though sin is now a reality, the good news is that God remains committed to being our protector, as David reminds us throughout the Psalms. Psalms 121:5-8 shows this.
Verse 5 says, “The Lord watches over you, the Lord is like a shade tree at your right hand.” The Lord watches over you, standing beside you like protective shade. In ancient times, warriors held shields with their left hand, leaving their right side vulnerable as they carried weapons. In this way, God stands at our right hand, offering His divine protection where we need it most.
Verse 6 says, “The sun won’t harm you during the day. The moon won’t harm you during the night.“ When we stay close to God, listening for His voice in every step, we remain under His protection and guidance. God is with us all the time protecting us day and night from the harsh realities of evil.
Verse 7 says, “The Lord will keep you from every kind of harm. He will watch over your life.“ Until we are with God in glory, we need to stay close to the Lord so that He can protect us from the full onslaught of evil in this world.
Verse 8 says, “The Lord will watch over your life, no matter where you go both now and forever.” God is with you as you go to and fro because Satan is also going to and looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Just like the lion, looking to see who is unprotected, then pounce for the kill, God promises not to leave us unprotected from the evil lion, Satan. Proverbs 3:6 says, “Listen for God‘s voice and everything you do, wherever you go, He’s the one who will keep you on track.”
God still wants to be beside you protecting you and being your offense. God not only protects us but also equips us with His Word, the sword of the Spirit, enabling us to stand firm and advance against evil. But we need to stay under the protection that God is providing. As David reminds us in Psalm 91:1-2: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
God’s protection is not limited by time or place. No matter where life takes you, His presence is with you—guarding, guiding, and giving you peace.
Today, be proactive about your protection by choosing to draw closer to God, resting under His protection. Spend time in prayer, inviting Him to guide and guard every step you take.