In what ways can we ensure we remain under God's protection today? Tracing the Warning in 1 Chronicles 10:7 “ When the Israelites who were in the valley saw that the army had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their cities and fled; then the Philistines came and occupied them.” Israel’s hedge collapsed because the king and his people had already abandoned the Lord (10:13-14). The outward flight only mirrored an earlier inward drift. Core Principles for Remaining Under God’s Protection • Wholehearted obedience keeps the shield up – Deuteronomy 28:1-7; Psalm 91:14 • Exclusive loyalty to the Lord blocks enemy footholds – Exodus 20:3; 1 John 5:21 • Continual seeking invites divine covering – 2 Chronicles 16:9; Jeremiah 29:13 • Abiding in Christ secures victory – John 15:4-10; Romans 8:31 • Spiritual armor repels attacks – Ephesians 6:10-18 • God-given leadership matters – Hebrews 13:17; 1 Timothy 4:16 • Corporate faithfulness strengthens community walls – Nehemiah 4:14; Acts 2:42-47 Practical Ways to Walk These Principles Out 1. Daily open the Word and obey the next thing God shows (James 1:22-25). 2. Confess and forsake any competing allegiance – money, approval, outlets of occult curiosity, etc. (Proverbs 28:13). 3. Start and end each day in yielded prayer, inviting His guidance (Psalm 5:3). 4. Stay vitally connected to a Bible-honoring church; place yourself under sound teaching and mutual accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). 5. Speak Scripture aloud when fear knocks; it realigns the heart with truth (Matthew 4:4). 6. Put on the armor piece by piece: truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, Word, and constant prayer (Ephesians 6:13-18). 7. Discern leadership choices carefully; follow examples marked by humility and integrity (1 Peter 5:3). Verses to Memorize and Meditate On • Psalm 91:1-2, 10-11 – God’s shelter and angels’ charge • Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting and acknowledging Him in all ways • Isaiah 26:3 – Perfect peace for minds stayed on Him • James 4:7 – Submit, resist, and see the enemy flee • 1 Peter 1:5 – “protected by God’s power through faith” Living the Lesson Israel’s panic in 1 Chronicles 10:7 was avoidable; ours can be, too. Stay yielded, stay close, stay armored, and the same God who once hedged His people will stand guard over you today. |
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