The Promise Of Divine Protection

Jehovah is certainly capable of protecting his servants. He is "God Almighty" -a title indicating that he possesses irresistible power. (Genesis 17:1) Like an unstoppable tide, Jehovah's applied power cannot be thwarted. Since he is able to do anything his will directs, we may ask, 'is it Jehovah's will to use his power to protect his people?'

The answer, in a word, is yes! Jehovah assures us that he will protect his people. "God is for us a refuge and strength, a help that is readily to be found during distresses," says Psalm 46:1. Since God "cannot lie," we can have absolute confidence in his promise of protection. (Titus 1:2) Let us consider some of the vivid word pictures that Jehovah uses to describe his protective care.

Jehovah is a Shepherd, and "we are his people and the sheep of his pasturage." (Psalm 23:1; 100:3) Few animals are as helpless as domestic sheep. The shepherd of Bible times had to be courageous to protect his sheep from lions, wolves and bears, as well as from thieves. (1 Samuel 17:34, 35; John 10:12, 13) But there were times when protecting the sheep called for tenderness. When a sheep gave birth far from the fold, the caring shepherd would guard the mother during her helpless moments and then pick up the defenseless lamb and carry it to the fold.

By comparing himself to a shepherd, Jehovah assures us of his heartfelt desire to protect us. (Ezekiel 34:11-16) Recall the description of Jehovah found at Isaiah 40:11, discussed in Chapter 2 of this book: "Like a shepherd he will shepherd his own drove. With his arm he will collect together the lambs; and in is bosom he will carry them. "How does the little lamb come to be in he shepherd's bosom" -the folds of his upper garment? The lamb might approach the shepherd, even nudge his leg. However, it is the shepherd who must bend over, pick up the lamb and gently place it in the security of his bosom. What a tender picture of the willingness of the Great Shepherd to shield and protect us!

God's promise of protection is conditional -it is realized only by those who draw close to him. Proverbs 18:10 states: "The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection." In Bible times, towers were sometimes built in the wilderness as safe places for refuge. But it was up to the one in danger to flee to such a tower to find safety. It is similar with finding refuge in God's name.This involves more than just repeating God's name; the divine name itself is no magic charm. Rather, we need to know and trust the Bearer of that name and live in harmony with his righteous standards. How kind of Jehovah to reassure us that if we turn to him in faith, he will be a tower of protection for us!

Next time: "Our God . . . Is Able To Rescue Us"

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002