In what ways can we trust God to "preserve" us from evil daily? Key Verse “The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul.” (Psalm 121:7) Seeing the Bigger Picture • Psalm 121 pictures a pilgrim lifting his eyes above threatening hills to the Lord who “made heaven and earth” (v. 2). • The Hebrew term shamar (“guard, keep, preserve”) appears six times in the psalm, stressing unbroken protection. • “Evil” covers every form of moral, spiritual, and physical harm that could derail God’s purpose for His people. God’s Commitment to Preserve • Continuous: “He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:4) • Comprehensive: “Your coming and going, both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:8) • Personal: “He will preserve your soul.” The promise reaches the deepest part of us, not just our circumstances. How God Preserves Us Each Day 1. Shielding from the evil one • “The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3) • Satan’s accusations, temptations, and deceptions are intercepted by Christ’s intercession (Luke 22:31-32; John 17:15). 2. Guarding our minds through His peace • “The peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) • Anxiety and fear lose their grip when He posts His sentry of peace over our thoughts. 3. Ordering providence around us • “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7) • Unseen interventions—rerouted plans, delayed schedules, timely words—keep harm at bay. 4. Preserving our souls for eternity • “You, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:5) • Daily preservation is tethered to final salvation; nothing can sever the link (John 10:28-29). 5. Providing a way of escape from temptation • “God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear… He will also provide an escape.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) • Every temptation arrives with a God-supplied exit sign—often through Scripture recall, a phone call, or a physical change of scene. 6. Sustaining us through trials, not just removing them • “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… they will not overwhelm you.” (Isaiah 43:2) • Preservation can mean endurance inside the storm rather than deliverance from it. Our Part: Walking in Trust and Obedience • Abide under His covering: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1) • Clothe yourself with God’s armor (Ephesians 6:10-18). Preservation is enjoyed by soldiers who actually wear their gear. • Hide His Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11). The sword of the Spirit both defends and drives back evil. • Stay in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). When He leads, our feet avoid moral pitfalls. • Remain among God’s people (Hebrews 10:24-25). Mutual encouragement is a frontline defense. Living in Confidence Because the Lord Himself stands guard, we can rise each morning assured: • No scheme of Satan can ultimately succeed. • No circumstance can breach God’s protective boundary without His wise permission. • No trial will be wasted; each one furthers His preserving purpose. “The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul.” Today—and every day—that promise holds. |
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