Daily Devotional for April 3, 2011

Psalm 68:19-20
We praise you, Lord God! You treat us with kindness day after day, and you rescue us. You always protect us and save us from death.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

A few years ago, friends of ours purchased a house we were selling. Aside from needing more space, the couple told us that their present home was located on a busy city street, and their young 2½-year-old-son – then just a little older than our Timothy is now – was apt to dash out into the street to chase a ball or toy… or simply running with abandon. In order to keep their children safe… to protect them and save them from death… this couple made the necessary efforts to take measures to ensure their safety. The health, safety and well-being of their children was (and is) their chief concern day after day.

This is what good parents do. They put the needs of their children first… and they love them unconditionally with kindness… and protection. And as our Heavenly Father, this is what God does for each of us. He treats us with more kindness than we could ever deserve… and He protects us and keeps us safe from death. I’m not talking about physical death… although there are certainly instances where God rescues us from that, as well. But God puts obstacles… people, wisdom, discernment… angels… in our path to protect us from Spiritual death. For all of the sins we commit… for every mess we get ourselves into… God steers us away from the chance for dozens more out of His kindness and protection.

So if God is our protector, why do bad things happen? We’ve been over this! Tests and challenges lead to growth and deeper faith. They build the relationship as we learn to rely more on God’s strength and power and less upon our own. But God NEVER stops loving us… and He never stops looking out for our best interests. And for this He deserves our utmost praise.

Have you thanked God lately for all He does in your life?

©2011 Debbie Robus

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