ODJ: bogged down
April 23, 2011
He alone is my rock and salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken (v.2).
READ: Psalm 62:1-12
My computer has become a test of my patience. Beyond sluggish, it takes at least 10 minutes to boot up due to it being infected with viruses and malware. Being an impatient, impulsive button-pusher, I have to walk away after I turn it on. Otherwise, I’m tempted to hurry the process by striking a key too soon. Trying to keep it virus-free, my husband installed a spyware program. While security software is necessary in today’s technologically viral world, we’ve learned that the quality of protection is more important than the quantity.
Self-protection is a strong, instinctual drive in all of us. We blindly believe that our well-being is most secure when we’re in control. If life becomes uncertain—or we experience painful circumstances—we can fall prey to our pride. We can begin to believe that we’re more capable of watching out for ourselves than God is. What we don’t realize, however, is that depending on ourselves leaves us sluggish to respond to the Holy Spirit’s direction. Contrary to what our flesh tells us, control does not guarantee safety (Psalm 62:5-7). If anything, it leaves us more vulnerable.
Psalm 32:7 says: “You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.” We can’t say that God is our protection and then insist on having control. To trust means to rest in the strength of something or Someone beyond ourselves
(62:6; Proverbs 3:5). We must remember:
• God is our only salvation (Psalm 62:1-4).
• God is our only hope (vv.5-8).
• God is our only strength (vv.9-12).
Now, that’s true protection! —Regina Franklin
In what ways do you try to protect yourself from getting hurt by others? How do these “self-protective” measures keep you from trusting God?
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