Don’t Mess With Me!  I’ve Got Bodyguards!

Bill Brinkworth

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” Proverbs 28:7

I cannot read the first part of Proverbs 28:7 without smiling; as it reminds me of a time in my youth.  As a scrawny, 89 pound (when-soaking-wet) kid, I had to be careful who I said what to and where.  It would not take much of a bully to teach me a painful lesson because of my sometimes big, provoking mouth.

One day I met a boy much bigger than I.  He had a reputation as a tough and rough person, and people had to be careful what they said around him.  We became good friends, and I hung around him at home and at school.  He had a friend that was also fairly large, and we also became friends.

I found that I was not so shy, quiet, and careful when I was around those two.  Sometimes, with one on my left and the other on my right, I even found myself being brave, trying to be tough, and letting my provoking mouth have its way.  I knew I could get away with it, because I had my “bodyguards” protecting me.  Any one that wanted to shut my foolish mouth would have to deal with my rough and tough defenders.  I certainly felt safe when in that situation.

Soon, I outgrew my “protection” and went on with my life.  I went back to wisely watching what came out of my mouth. Then over thirteen years later, something wonderful happened in my life; I was saved!

It was not long afterwards that I started reading my Bible.  I learned that I did have to watch what my unkind mouth said; but I also learned that since I now was a child of God, that I had protection all around me.  I had no reason to fear, because nothing could happen to me that God did not allow or know about.  I was safe and secure.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
II Tim. 1:7

I learned that:

It has been a long times since I had my “bodyguards.” However, I am safer and more secure than I have ever been.  I have better protection.  I have the Lord protecting me, and nothing can happen to me unless it is God’s will; and if it is God’s will, He will give me the strength and grace to face that challenge.

If you are born again, you too can have that security.   You can be “safe and secure” as an old hymn reminds us.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“When you have accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace; God is awake!” Hugo

This article was featured in The Bible View #567.

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