I SHALL NOT WANT FOR PROTECTION

….In the presence of my enemies – Psalm 23:5b

At down moments, the usual response of the shepherd was to lay his coat, rod, staff, and himself around an injured sheep being antagonized by other sheep, so he could eat. The shepherd would give priority attention and special protection to such a sheep. In like manner, I have such confidence in the Shepherd of my soul that I can sit down in safety and eat even though surrounded by danger. He keeps me safe and secure in the presence of my foes. His wonderful acknowledgment and affirmation of my person takes place right under the nose of those who wish to destroy me and ridicule me.

What this implies is that: as long as the Shepherd is there, Satan can only threaten, he cannot touch the lives of God’s children! Here again, Israel is our example: “He permitted no one to do them wrong; Yes, He reproved kings for their sakes, saying, “DO NOT TOUCH My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm” (Ps.105: 14-15). 1 Peter 5:8 says that “the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Satan is “like a roaring lion”; he can only threaten, he cannot touch us. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the “Lion of the tribe of Judah”, our Divine Defender and Prevailing Protector (Rev. 5:5). With Him on our side, sin, sickness, Satan, demons, and powers of darkness and wickedness have no power over us.

God’s invisible shield is built around His children. The powerful Blood-line of the Crucified and Resurrected Christ secures us from the onslaught of the enemies. Hear our Shepherd’s assurance: “’For I’, says the LORD, ‘will be a WALL of FIRE all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst’” (Zech.2:5). “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah” (Ps. 46: 7, 11). “Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst” (Is. 12:6).