Mosquito attire is not something I have ever worn.  Yesterday, as we drove along a gravel road north of the city of Toronto, we saw people walking, covered from torso to the top of their heads with attire which was manufactured from netting. This was their protective covering from the annoying elements – bugs!

Seeing this attire, it took only moments for images of Covid19 protective coverings to surface.  It requires little energy on our part to not only see masks, but to see gowns and full PPE (personal protective equipment).

Protecting ourselves is something we are not unfamiliar with. Protection comes in simplest of forms, and during these days it looks like a 20 second handwash. Protection comes as we insert a safety plug into an outlet for a child, throw on a life jacket, or lock a door.  Which one of us hasn’t heard a sales pitch for purchasing a protection plan that is ‘out of this world’. Without protection we are left feeling vulnerable and anxious, fearful and hesitant.

I believe we have a natural longing to be protected.  We have this internal desire to know that we are being watched over in the unfolding of life with all its joys and complexities. This cry for protection is articulated in the heart cries of David in the Bible.  He speaks our language.  He gives us words to utter what is in our hearts and minds.  Consider a few of the following:

“But as for me, afflicted and in pain – may your salvation, God, protect me” (Psalm 69:29).

“Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD.  “I will protect them from those who malign them” (Psalm 12:5).

“Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD; may your love and faithfulness always protect me” (Psalm 40:11).

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

May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, LORD, is in you (Psalm 25:21).

Hear me O God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy (Psalm 64:1).

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them every sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them (Psalm 4:11).

We see that David not only asked God for protection he also proclaimed protection that alone would come from the hand of his God. Deep trust in God gives birth to language that expresses God as the secure protection plan, in all of life; both our coming and going.  

Jesus himself understood our need for protection for he lived on earth, as we do, immersed in a broken world. What I find very interesting is that in the final days of his life he prays protection over his disciples. Knowing he will soon complete his saving work on earth, returning to his Father, he prays, “protect them by the power of your name” (John 17:11) and because they will proclaim his living word which will not always be welcome, as it was not welcomed from his lips, he cries, “my prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15).  Today it is good to know that Jesus is ever interceding for us, for there is an unseen foe we fight, and we need protection. This truly is a protection plan that is ‘out of this world!’

These beautiful words, sung for generations, remind us of the One who alone remains our deepest source of protection.  Jehovah is our strength.

38: Jehovah Is Our Strength

1. Jehovah is our strength,
And He shall be our song;
We shall o'ercome at length
Although our foes be strong.
In vain does Satan then oppose,
For God is stronger than His foes.

2. The Lord our refuge is
And ever will remain;
Since He has made us His
He will our cause maintain.
In vain our enemies oppose,
For God is stronger than His foes.

3. The Lord our shepherd is;
He knows our every need,
And since we now are His,
His care our souls will feed.
In vain do sin and death oppose,
For God is stronger than His foes.

4. Our God our Father is;
Our names are on His heart;
We ever will be His,
He ne'er from us will part.
In vain the mightiest powers oppose,
For God is stronger than His foes.

Our God, thank you that you are “faithful, and you will strengthen us and protect us from the evil one”  (2 Thessalonians 3:3).  As we see protective measures all around us, call forth words from deep within us that acknowledge the wonder of your protection. You alone hold us with a strength and hope that is never weakened by this world.  AMEN