God is protecting us, even when we don’t realize it. Only God knows how many times in a given day he has kept us out of harm’s way. He may have intervened in a potential accident, or even a deliberate attack by an enemy, seen or unseen. It’s easy to take God’s protection for granted, especially when we have no idea how close a call we’ve missed. God’s job is to protect us.

But sometimes we make decisions that put God to the test, such as doing things we shouldn’t. In such cases, God isn’t obliged to protect us when we’ve wandered from the safety zone of his presence and principles, either through foolish defiance or subtle disobedience. In fact, sometimes God lets us experience the consequences of our poor choices now to protect us from a greater harm later.

God helps us because he knows we are weak. Likewise, he calls us to defend the weak and defenseless. That includes the elderly, the young, those with special needs and even the unborn. God is the giver and sustainer of life. As his people, we are to be his ambassadors against the enemies of life.

Throughout history, cultures of death have inflicted untold atrocities on men, women and children made in God’s image. If we want to be a blessing to society, we must defend those who cannot fight for themselves. Such is the hallmark of the people of God.

“The test of a civilization is the way that it cares for its helpless members.” — PEARL S. BUCK

PSALM 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

ROMANS 8:31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

PSALM 121:7–8 The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

PSALM 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.

PSALM 32:7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

PROVERBS 18:10 The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

ROMANS 15:1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.

MICAH 6:8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

HEBREWS 13:3 Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

LUKE 6:36 “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”