The Love of the Lord Protects Us
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says, “Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
Love Always Protects. The Greek word for Love in 1 Corinthians 13 is “stego,” which means to protect, cover, or hide by covering over. The meaning of Love that covers is understood in Ruth 3:9: “Who are you? He asked. I am your servant Ruth, she said. Spread the corner of your garment over me since you are a kinsman-redeemer” (NIV).
As the day approaches for my upcoming surgery, there are all kinds of thoughts inside my head and heart. There is hope, and it is time to get my hurting knee fixed, anxious thoughts and feelings as the day is almost here. There is great confidence in the skill of the surgeon and his team. There are the thoughts of others who have had this procedure done, like my wife, Lois, and the fantastic results. Most importantly, I am reminded of the Lord’s protection and covering.
Isaiah 51:12-13, “I, even I am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal men, the sons of men who are but grass, that you forget the Lord, your Maker who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor who is bent on destruction?”
The Word of God speaks to us about our rebellion toward the Lord. Our Lord was using His prophets again to plead with us to trust in the Lord and not our human resources. Who and what will save us? Will we save ourselves? Will science and technology be our redeemer? The Scriptures instruct us to follow His righteousness and to seek Him!
Matthew 6:33-34, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.”
Only God, our Creator, is all-powerful! Isaiah 51 refers to the imprisoned remnant that would soon be freed to return to the Promised Land in another Exodus because the LORD, the Creator God, is their God. He protects us, those who have believed and received Him because we belong to Him, and we have an amazing unique relationship as the people of God! Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Therefore, what was said in Isaiah 51 is equally true today! The Lord is our God, and we have a uniquely special relationship with Him if we choose to believe and receive Him as our Savior and Lord.
1 Peter 2:9-10, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”
The Lord speaks to those living in anxiety, doubt, fear, and uncertainty. He gives us comfort by reminding us that men are not to be feared, for they are but grass. God is forever! God is our helper! He watches over his people and gives them what they need. Every believer can confidently say that the Lord is my helper (Psalm 118:7). How can we find peace?
We find peace when we realize God’s sufficiency for all our needs. We can fight insecurity by trusting God to meet all our needs and protect us! Learning to live with less rather than desiring more; give out of our abundance rather than accumulating more; enjoy what we have rather than resent what we feel is missing.
When we are confident that God is our provider and protector, we need not be afraid. If the Creator of ALL the universe is on our side, what can mere mortals do? Yes, people can take our possessions, mistreat us, hurt us, or even kill us.
But Jesus has said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). People cannot hurt our souls or change the fact of our future with Him. God as our provider and protector, should have nothing to fear!
Lord helps us not to fear the world. Please help us to walk in confidence as we face whatever each day brings. We pray that whatever we face, we can do so in Your Mighty Power. Give us wisdom and strength to live each day for You and with You! Thank you for the grace, Love, and mercy You give us as your loved children! Help us not rebel but serve You in all we say, do, and think.
Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for talking to the Lord of All on my behalf. Thank you for serving and loving the Lord in all you say, do, and think. While out, I have great confidence in our pastors and church staff. We are blessed because we have the best of the best leading us. We have a church council made up of strong mature men of God, and they are our watchmen at the city gates.
We have a leadership team of over 100 amazing individuals, teaching, working, praying, serving, loving, and more. We have an amazing church family of hundreds who love the Lord! When we look at all, we have been through in the past two-plus years as a church, and we can all thank the Lord for His Love and protection.
My church family, you are all loved and appreciated so much!
Pastor Steve
Let’s reflect together on the fact that the Lord is our protector. Read these passages of scripture out loud each day for seven days and be encouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
2 Samuel 22:3-4 My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.
Psalm 32:7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
2 Timothy 4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.
Hebrews 13:6 So we can confidently say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?
2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.