Sheltered

“The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is set securely on high..” Proverbs 18:10

 During his recent visit, I was conversing with my youngest son Jesse about his high school years. He thanked me for raising him in a home that loved Jesus and sheltered him from the things of the world that would cause him harm. He went on to say that most young people and even some adults consider sheltering children from the world’s evils a bad thing. He explained, “When you think of shelter, your mind goes to a place of protection from the weather, safety, comfort, and security. Protecting your children from the world’s evils is not only a good thing but a biblical responsibility of parents. That is precisely what godly parents are doing when they shelter their children.”

We Christians are God’s children; He is our shelter and refuge. I dare say not one of us would complain about being sheltered by God.     The writer of Proverbs reminds us that the Lord is a strong tower     that the righteous run into and are protected. Our God is sovereign, and we can be at peace knowing that nothing can harm us if God does not allow it. Thomas Watson said the following about God’s Providence:

“God’s Providence reaches to all persons, especially the    persons of the godly, who in a special manner are taken   notice of. God takes care of every saint in particular, as if  he had none else to care for. “He cares for you,” that is, God cares for the elect in a special manner. “The Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his   unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps     them alive in times of famine.” Psalm 33:18-19. God by his providential care shields off dangers from his people, and sets a life-guard of angels about them. “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Psalm 34:7. God’s Providence keeps the very bones  of the saints. “The righteous face many troubles, but the Lord rescues them from each and every one. For the Lord protects them from harm— not one of their bones will be broken! Psalms 34:19-20. It bottles their tears. “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” Psalm 56:8. It strengthens the saints in their weakness.  Heb. 11:34. It supplies all their needs out of its alms basket. “You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.” Psalm 23:5. Thus Providence wonderfully supplies the needs of the elect.”

Christian, we should walk through this life fearing no evil because the one who saved us is greater than any evil we face. Let us hide the psalmist’s words in our hearts,” Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” I thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that we are sheltered in His arms.

Your shepherd,

Pastor Mark