Pastor's Ponderings, February 12, 2018

The World’s Protection is Temporary; God’s Protection is Eternal

Once again computer issues are a problem. Last week my computer would not boot up.  This week my McAfee Internet Security program will not accept my preferences.*  The last time this happened my computer was out of commission for days. In today’s world, our computers are subject to many bugs, malware, and hackers in the Internet system.

Thank God, He is not like our off and on again computer protection systems.  Our God neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:3-4).  He supplies all of our needs and is a very present help whenever we have trouble (Psalm 46:1).  Our enemies may come against us one way but they will flee from us seven ways (Deuteronomy 28:7).  The 23^rd Psalm declares that He is our Shepherd so we do not have to lack for anything. 

My computer system can fail but God never fails.  If He is for us, He is more than the whole world against us (Romans 8:31).  He is our place of protection, our refuge.  We have many sick and hurting people.  All who are sick and hurting can find a place in Him. If He cannot fix it, if He cannot heal, there is no help.  But thank God He is more than enough.

Let us remember that worldly protections will fade.  People may change their minds and go from being great friends to implacable foes.  Thank God we have a right to stay in and settle down in His safe secret place so that nothing that is created can be successful against us (Psalm 91:1-2, Isaiah 54:17). Our God is our impenetrable protection.

*Update, McAfee Internet Security fixed my protection system.  God is good! 

Psalm 121:3-4
New International Version (NIV)

3 He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalm 46:1
New International Version (NIV)

1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Deuteronomy 28:7
New International Version (NIV)

7 The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven

Romans 8:31 
New International Version (NIV)

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Psalm 91:1-2
New International Version (NIV)

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Isaiah 54:17
New International Version (NIV)

17 no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.