Protective Power-"God Is for Us a Refuge" - Jehovah Protects Us Spiritually

Most important, Jehovah provides spiritual protection. Our loving God protects us from spiritual harm by equipping us with  what we need in order to endure the trials and to safeguard our relationship with him.  Jehovah thus works to preserve our life, not just for a few short years but for eternity. Consider some of God's provisions that can protect us spiritually. 

Jehovah is the "Hearer of prayer"  (Psalm 65:2)  When life's pressures seem overwhelming pouring out our heart to him can bring us much relief.  (Philippians 4:6, 7)  He may  not miraculously remove our trials, but in response to our heartfelt prayers, he can grant us the wisdom to deal with them.  (James 1:5, 6)  More than that, Jehovah gives holy spirit to those asking him.  (Luke 11:13)  That powerful spirit can make us equal to any trial or problem we may face.  If can infuse us with "power beyond what is normal" to endure until Jehovah removes all painful problems in the new world so near at hand.-2 Corinthians 4:7. 

At times, Jehovah's protective power may be expressed through our fellow worshipers. Jehovah has drawn his people into a worldwide "association of brothers."  (1 Peter 2:17; John 6:44)  In the warmth of that brotherhood, we see living testimony to the power of God's holy spirit to influence people for good.  That spirit produces in  us fruitage-beautiful, precious qualities including love, kindness, and goodness. (Galatians 5:22, 23)  Hence, when we are in distress and a fellow believer is moved to offer helpful counsel or share much-needed words of encouragement, we can thank Jehovah for such expressions of his protective care.  

Jehovah provides something else to protect us; timely  spiritual food. To help us draw strength from his Word, Jehovah has commissioned "the faithful and discreet slave"  to dispense spiritual food. That faithful slave class uses printed publications, including the journals The Watchtower and Awake!, as well as meetings, assemblies, and conventions to provide us with "food at the proper time"-what we need , when we need it.  (Matthew 24:45)  Have you ever heard something at a Christian meeting-in a comment, in a talk, or even in a prayer-that provided  just the needed strength and encouragement?  Has your life  ever been touched by a specific article published in one of our journals?  Remember, Jehovah makes all such provisions in order to protect us spiritually.

Jehovah is certainly a shield "to all those taking refuge in him."  (Psalm 1 8:30)  We understand that he does not use his power to protect us all from all calamity now.  He does, however,  always use his protective power to ensure the outworking of his purpose.  In the long run, his doing so is in the best interests of his people.  If we draw close to him and remain in his love, Jehovah will give us an eternity of perfect life.  With that prospect in mind, we may indeed view any suffering in this system as "momentary and light." -2 Corinthians 4:17. 

Next time: Chapter 8/ Restorative Power-Jehovah Is "Making All Things New"

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah