| Subject: The Protector |
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Hillbilly
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Date Posted: 20:50:10 11/27/12 Tue
A PROTECTOR
I was recently visiting my mother in the nursing home and she confided in me that she was asking God to send her a "Protector". Mother is 90 years old and has had a stroke that has severely limited her mobility and left her with poor vision. She is partially paralized in her left side and can't walk or tend to her self but her mind is still good. She is totally dependent on the nursing staff, her doctor and her four sons.
I knew what she meant and I said to her; "Mother, God has sent you a protector". She asked who and I told her Jesus and He was her protector through the Holy Spirit which was with her always. She seemed satisfied for the moment but I knew the thoughts would return. Mother, although ninety years old, was as any younger person. What she really wanted was security which she felt she was lacking in. All through her married years she had depended on dad to take care of her. He was her source of income and her provider of food, shelter and clothing as well as providing for us four boys. When dad passed away in the year 2000 mom went through stages of fear and depression. She had faith in God but at the same time her visible protector and companion had been taken from her.
I know of women who have married men solely for security. There was no real love in the relationship but the woman was willing to give herself to the man for security purposes. I suspect this happens far more often than is known. Many have no confidence in their own ability to take care of their own financial and material needs in this life. They may be lacking in education, experience or self confidence but whatever the reason they have no peace of mind without a protector.
The desires of mother and the thoughts that had come to me because of this revelation came often to my mind. "Isn't that really what we all want?" I said to myself and I began to mull scriptures in my mind. "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Heb 13:5) I depended on that. David asked the question "whom shall I fear". He did so in light of the statements also found in the same verse: "The LORD is my light and my salvation; ---the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
David often spoke of fear and deliverance. His reflections on fear are shown in this passage from Psalms.
Psalm 116:1-9
1 I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
4 Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
6 The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
The sense of security that God brought to David is on full display in the 23d Psalm.
Security is the motivating factor in most of our majory decisions. Isn't this why we first step out into the work place for a job. We wnat to be able to provide for ourselves. Later it will most likely be the need to provide for and protect a family. While the man usually is the provider he needs the sense of security as much as the woman. A great responsiblily falls on his shoulders. The single mother or in some cases the woman is the provider and she feels the weight of responsibility heavy on her shoulders.
Whether in the civilian setting, military setting or ministirial and spiritual setting we all look for security. Age has nothing to do with it. The child hides behind mom or dad and looks to them for everything. When graduating high school I had a great apprehension about being able to make it on my own. I had always depended on mom and dad.
It took me a while before I realized that as an adult I still looked to someone greater that I to be my protector. I am no different in that respect than mom.
It took me a while and some "deep valley" experiences for me to realize I had a protector that I could depend on for everything. Through financial difficulty, my wife's long sickness and just the day to day stress that so wears on all of us I have learned to trust my Protector. Paul, in writing to the Church at Ephesus glorified our Lord with these words: "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. " (Eph. 3:19-20)
Able to exceeding abundantly above anything and everything we are able to ask of HIm. That my dear friends is a Protector.
Not only does he protect me in this life but He has assured me He has made all the arrangements and preparation for the next life. A home in glory with Him. No bills to pay. No sickness, no sorrow, no death, no hunger, no war etc.
One of the greatest Psalms in the Bible is one that deals with one of God's sheep looking to the Shepherd for his every need.
Psalm 23:1-6 (A Psalm of David.)
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Amen and Amen!
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