Your memory is of utmost importance. Throughout scripture, the word “remember” carries with it an implication of action-as Israelites beseech the Lord to remember His covenant, it is a request to act on it, to keep the covenant, not simply to recall to mind. As David writes in Psalm 25, “remember not the sins of my youth”, it is a request that the Lord might not act according to what he deserves but show grace. And this makes sense. You will not act on something that you have forgotten. And so in looking at protection, a life that understands and remembers the Lord’s protection is lived boldly, in trust and faith rather than fear. Were we to forget his protection, we would all too easily be overwhelmed by the difficulties of this world.

David depicts God’s heart of protection for His people in Psalm 91. The Lord’s protection is described as a shadow (verse 1), refuge and fortress (verse 2), He delivers from man and from illness (verse 3), He covers you (verse 4), you will remain untouched when all is chaos and destruction (verse 5-8), He guards you with angels (verse 11), He is with you in trouble (verse 15), and He rescues and honors (verse 15-16). This is a picture of a good God, of one who deeply loves. Were we to believe Him to be who He claims to be, God himself would be the only one left to fear. And He is good. It is important to note however that our concept of protection, and the reality faced in this psalm are very different. All too often we may confuse protection with comfort, and He never promises to make us comfortable.

Taking a closer look at this Psalm, the settings we find here are terrifying. There are traps, deadly plague, arrows flying, terror at night, destruction, and thousands upon thousands falling all around. This is not a comfortable scenario. The Lord promises, “I will be with him in trouble.” (verse 15)-a promise of presence in the midst of hardship rather than removal from the hardship. And this is why we must remember. If for one moment, as the enemy hunts down and attacks, we forget Him, we are lost. We will become like Peter as he walked on water-momentarily forgetting Christ’s all sufficiency in light of overwhelming circumstances, he fell and fear gripped him. In contrast, one who is walking by faith and trusting in the Lord’s protection is able to respond much like Caleb as he spied on Canaan-though the majority opposed, he called to, “go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” (Numbers 14:30). Remembering the Lord and His protection for His people frees us to move in faith, without fear, despite circumstance.

It is also key to look at the heart of the one who trusts in the Lord for protection, if we are to be a people who rest in this protection. Looking again at Psalm 91, David describes him as one who dwells, abides, and trusts in the Lord (verses 1-2). He holds fast to God in love, and knows His name (verse 14). All qualities speak of one who chooses to pursue a relationship with the Lord, who longs for time with Him and seeks to know Him intimately. Each is an active verb, implying a choice, a determination to remain. When you choose to spend time with someone, to truly know them day in and day out, their character becomes very evident. It is no different with the Lord. The more intimately you know Him, the clearer His character is, and the deeper your trust in Him grows as you see His steadfast love. The one who clings to Him will remember and rest in His protection.

application

  • What do you do to cultivate your relationship with the Lord? What does it mean to cling to Him?
  • How would your life look differently if you consistently remembered God’s protection?
  • What aspect of protection do you see in the Lord being a shadow? fortress? cover?
  • Do you tend to let circumstances control your viewpoint, or the Lord?

prayer

Father, you are our sun and shield. You are both a loving Father, and a powerful God, desiring to care for us and able to do so. Father, you are worthy of all our trust. You alone are good. Open our eyes to see you as you are, to rest in you and to find you steadfast and faithful. May we see you when all seems dark and hopeless. May we rejoice in you when we experience peace. Remind us of your protection. Give us greater understanding of You and your great love for us, that we might trust and not falter.