GOD UNDERSTANDS, PROTECTS AND RESCUES HIS CHILDREN

BIBLE PASSAGE:
You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when 
I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern 
my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. 
(Psalm 139:1-4)

MEDITATION:
Have you ever heard someone say, 
“You don’t know me; you don’t know what I’m thinking”?
Even though it is usually expressed when someone is angry or irritated, 
there is a lot of truth in what is said.

Others can see us and hear us, but they may not understand what we are trying 
to communicate, or what is going on in our mind when we say the things we say.
Some people are great at expressing their thoughts precisely, but others 
struggle to put into words what they mean, and it can be frustrating for them.

Isn’t it great to know that God has no problem understanding our thoughts?
We have the assurance of knowing that when we pray, even if we do a lousy job 
of expressing ourselves, He knows exactly what we are trying to say to Him.
In addition, God has given us the Holy Spirit to intercede for us 
when we struggle to express ourselves and our concerns.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what 
we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through 
wordless groans. (Romans 8:26)

God gives the Spirit to all who belong to Him 
as yet another expression of His love for us.
If we will dedicate ourselves to reading it, the Bible has many comforting 
and assuring words about the depth of God’s love for His people.

Have you ever noticed the undivided attention 
a mother hen has for her baby chicks?
If one is missing, 
you can almost detect her panic as she frantically looks for it.
And when she finds it, there appears to be a relief and calmness in her.
Why is she so interested, observant and protective of her chicks? 
Because they belong to her and she cares about them.

According to scriptures, God has that kind of care and interest for His children.
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, 
you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far 
side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will 
hold me fast. (Psalm 139:7-10)
 
Even when we succumb to the darkness of sin, we are not hidden from His sight.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night 
around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will 
shine like the day,for darkness is as light to you. (Psalm 139:11-12)
It is comforting to know that when sin tries to bind us, 
our Heavenly Father is there to break its chains and free us from its grip.

ACTION:
As a Christian, aren’t you glad that God cares about you intensely?
Aren’t you glad that He keeps you on a short leash?
Whenever you are in a struggle with temptation, aren’t you glad 
that God knows you want to break free and comes to rescue you?
When you pray, thank God for His closeness and praise Him for His concern 
for you. (the word ‘praise’ means to ‘express a warm thankfulness’).

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your salvation. I am grateful for the 
Spirit You have given me to help me express my thoughts and concerns. 
I praise You for Your nearness and Your concern for me and my welfare. 
Thank You for Your protection whenever sin threatens my relationship 
with You. You rescue me even when I am unaware of my need to be 
rescued. You love me when I am unlovable. You give me mercy and 
grace that I don’t deserve. You encourage me when I am down and You 
have plans for me that give me hope and a future. No one can compare 
with You and Your love for me. Thank You for being my Heavenly Father.” 

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