Constant Protection

THE Bible says in Proverbs, "There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord. . . . safety is of the Lord" (21:30, 31). Reassuring statements like this can also provide evidence that God's law protects and saves people from fear and harm.

We can gain and maintain the confidence that God's protection is dependable and adequate, even when we're confronted with danger. This confidence is based on spiritual understanding, and it has practical results. The book of Psalms presents a vivid picture of God's constant care: "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies" (23:5). James Moffatt's translation of this verse shows how the enemy becomes harmless: "Thou art my host, spreading a feast for me, while my foes have to look on!" There is no indication in this psalm that human security requires a watchdog, a weapon, a bodyguard, or any other physical means of self-defense. The Lord-the intelligence of man and the universe-is our creator, and our unfailing protector, and our ever present guard.

By referring to God as "my Father," "your Father," and "our Father," Christ Jesus illustrated that God protects all His children. The bond between the creator and His creation is the basis on which we show neighborly love to others, instead of hatred, sensuality, and violence, which are as illegitimate in us as hell is in heaven. Being watchful, and accepting humanity's brotherhood and sisterhood, fully protected by God, we can enjoy freedom from fear of a present or future danger. And past remembrances of danger can be wiped out as well.

Christian Science, discovered in 1866 by Mary Baker Eddy, teaches how we can stand fearless before menacing threats. It can show you how God's law is universal, unchanging good, and how it inspires one with ideas that help and heal. These ideas reach friend as well as foe with genuine power and security. Like the consistent principle of mathematics, God's law of safety preserves human thought from damaging impulses.

Heaven, God's harmonious government, includes everything real and good. It excludes accidental or intentional injury. When we understand the goodness and authority of God's law, assurance comes of His protection at home, in the workplace, when traveling on foot or in a vehicle. Mrs. Eddy's explanation of Christian Science in the book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures reveals our ability to reject evil in any form. This is done solely through mental effort. For example, the book includes this advice: "Rise in the strength of Spirit to resist all that is unlike good. God has made man capable of this, and nothing can vitiate the ability and power divinely bestowed on man" (p. 393). This rising and resisting describes the activity of prayer. And prayer brings divine intelligence, fostering thoughts that resolve conflict and danger.

God's protection was shown to me one summer as I explored the remote shore of a lake in a country I was visiting. The caretaker there showed me how he stored wooden boats in a quaint, windowless boathouse. As we were halfway up some stairs leading to the second story of the loft, I felt the man's hand stroke my leg.

This was a physical attack, but my response was not physical-it was mental, and God impelled it. I told him firmly that this was not why I had come there. In this case my prayer gave me the words necessary to protect myself. And this protected him from becoming a criminal. The fact is, the man's attitude toward me changed. We continued on, and I was grateful that I felt aware of God's presence. I feel no bodyguard or self-defense training could have provided the inner peace I felt through trusting God.

Daily prayer that fosters an understanding of God's law continues to bring me proof that He cares for me and for everyone. In all circumstances, there's a law of safety, available to save you and all whom you meet.

His truth shall be

thy shield and buckler.

Psalms 91:4

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