We like to be safe,
      protected from harm.
No strange diseases
      and no broken arm.
If we can avoid
      our car being crashed.
Or close all the doors
      with no fingers smashed.
Keep our life safe
      from all of life’s ill.
Then we often conclude,
      that it all is God’s will.

When we start to look
      at God’s will this way.
It creates quite a problem
      when we have a bad day.
If the protection
      that we value most.
Fails to protect us,
      then of what will we boast?
Bad things do happen
      to the wicked and good.
We must learn to praise Him
      through all as we should.

The greater protection
      that we must always wear.
Has been given to us
      by a God who does care.
To clothe ourselves fully
      with what God does give,
Will give us protection,
      inside where we live.
He gives us some armor
      that protects what’s inside.
We’re cloaked in His Spirit,
      in Him we can  hide.

Wrapped up in truth
      to protect how we feel.
Covered in righteousness,
      allowing us to heal.
Walking in peace
      to protect where we go.
Living by faith
      reminds us what we know.
Wearing salvation,
      to guard our mind.
Taking God’s Word
      for battles of all kind.

To bring it together,
      we always must pray.
Talk to God always,
      in every way.
Pray for each other
      while always on guard.
Pray to speak boldly,
      when speaking is hard.
The true protection
      that we all do need.
Comes when the hearing
      does change every deed.

So, what will you value
      when safety comes first?
Will you give attention
      to a spiritual thirst?
Will it be more important
      to protect your soul.
Or give all your effort
     to a body that’s whole?
The body will perish,
      the soul will live on.
I pray you’re protected,
      when earth’s time is gone.
©

As I was clearing walks and cleaning the building this morning, I was thinking about this winter and how God has protected me from unrealistic expectations and demands.  As He put this poem in my mind, He drew my attention to the difference between the protection we often seek and pray for and the more valuable protection that He has given us and desires for us to make use of.  I pray that you would seek first the protection of your heart, mind, and soul as you daily put on the armor of God.

In prayer,
Tom