Listen to “God Our Protector” by Steve Bell, singer/songwriter/storyteller. (lyrics)
“'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name...'” 1 Corinthians 7: 23
My son Taylor has taken to fishing the Fraser River near our home. As a newbie he was open to my opinion for where to catch large Chinook salmon.
So one day we loaded his car with 11-ft. rods, 30-lb. line, waders and lunches and drove east on Highway 7 to the Haig Scale Bar near Hope. The road hugs the river for half an hour offering vistas of Douglas fir and poplar along the watery way, providing the backdrop for telling tales of “Do you remember when…?”
I warned that parking might be tight along the road as this spot was popular. As we made the last bend, we saw no cars. Not one. My stomach sank.
“Looks like they closed the river!”
We drove into town to learn that in order to protect weak returns of sockeye salmon, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans closed every fishery—Chinooks as well. Doing so protected every fish that day from fishermen like Taylor and me. On that day the Fraser River became the safest place for salmon to migrate.
This scene reminds me of God’s protective role over us. In this earthly journey we encounter sorted dangers inward and outward. When they arise, where is our safe place?
The Bible refers to God as refuge or fortress (machseh) and stronghold or high tower (misgab) to where we may flee in times of struggle. I am convinced he protects us as we obey his commands and make wise choices. And at times, when I have made dumb choices that put me in physically challenging situations, I believe his angels watched over me.
God, thank you for your name as God our Protector, for it reminds me that you have my back as I seek to please you with my life. Help me not think that I can expect your safety when making unwise choices outside your will. Amen.
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Confess to God risky choices you have made that remove you from under his care and protection.