Don’t Mess With Me! I’ve Got Bodyguards!

Bill Brinkworth

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” Proverbs 28:7

I cannot read the first part of Proverbs 28:7 without smiling; as it reminds me of a time in my youth. As a scrawny, 89 pound (when-soaking-wet) kid, I had to be careful who I said what to and where. It would not take much of a bully to teach me a painful lesson because of my sometimes big, provoking mouth.

One day I met a boy much bigger than I. He had a reputation as a tough and rough person, and people had to be careful what they said around him. We became good friends, and I hung around him at home and at school. He had a friend that was also fairly large, and we also became friends.

I found that I was not so shy, quiet, and careful when I was around those two. Sometimes, with one on my left and the other on my right, I even found myself being brave, trying to be tough, and letting my provoking mouth have its way. I knew I could get away with it, because I had my “bodyguards” protecting me. Any one that wanted to shut my foolish mouth would have to deal with my rough and tough defenders. I certainly felt safe when in that situation.

Soon, I outgrew my “protection” and went on with my life. I went back to wisely watching what came out of my mouth. Then over thirteen years later, something wonderful happened in my life; I was saved!

It was not long afterwards that I started reading my Bible. I learned that I did have to watch what my unkind mouth said; but I also learned that since I now was a child of God, that I had protection all around me. I had no reason to fear, because nothing could happen to me that God did not allow or know about. I was safe and secure.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
II Tim. 1:7

I learned that:

“The LORD is my strength ….” Prov. 28:7 God will give me strength to face any trial or tribulation this life throws at me. A situation may look frightening and with no hope in sight, but He WILL give me the power to face and defeat my “Goliath” (I Samuel 17)! He has done it thousands of times in my life!
“…and my shield; …” Prov. 28:7 Just like a soldier’s shield shunned any arrows, rocks, or spears thrown at him, the Lord will protect His own from what they face in this life. He is the “shield” that will protect us when we drive down the road, from the plans of our enemies, from sin, and whatever can happen in one’s life.
Not only do we have God’s protection, but also we have His heavenly host surrounding and protecting us. Angels do God’s bidding on Earth, and protect His own. I am supernaturally protected!
“The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” Psalm 34:7
God knows the dangers we will be facing well ahead of time, and will protect us from dangers we may not even know are there! He is our “high tower” observer and defender!
“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:2

It has been a long times since I had my “bodyguards.” However, I am safer and more secure than I have ever been. I have better protection. I have the Lord protecting me, and nothing can happen to me unless it is God’s will; and if it is God’s will, He will give me the strength and grace to face that challenge.

If you are born again, you too can have that security. You can be “safe and secure” as an old hymn reminds us.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“When you have accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace; God is awake!” — Hugo

This article was featured in The Bible View #567.