God's Protection
A. The Bible is honest about the realities of life, warning us that we will indeed face difficult times and trials. However, as children of God, we are not meant to be overcome by discouragement.
B. God, in His infinite love and power, promises to be our ever-present help and protector in all circumstances. In this study, we will explore several ways Scripture describes this divine protection:
• God is our refuge (Psalm 61:1–3; 91:2).
• God is our strong tower (Psalm 61:3).
• God is our rock (Psalm 71:3).
• He will never forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
C. Therefore, we must always seek this divine protection with a heart full of faith and unwavering trust.
I. GOD IS OUR REFUGE Psalm 61:1–3
• A. God is a refuge for those who cry out to Him.
◦ The psalmist pours out his heart to God in distress, seeking shelter and safety (verse 2).
◦ Israel, throughout its history, learned to know God as its eternal refuge, a dwelling place of security and strength (Deuteronomy 33:27–29).
◦ Ultimately, true and lasting refuge is found only in God; there is no other safe haven comparable to Him (1 Samuel 2:2; 2 Samuel 22:3).
▪ Discussion: In what ways have you experienced God as your refuge in times of trouble? What does it mean to "cry out to God"?
• B. God protects the oppressed in their anguish.
◦ Psalm 9:9 assures us that the Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
◦ Psalm 32:7 and Jeremiah 16:19 declare that God is our hiding place, the one who keeps us safe in moments of crisis and is a refuge in the day of distress.
◦ Jeremiah 17:17 emphasizes that God is our only true refuge in a day of calamity.
▪ Discussion: Can you recall a time when God was your hiding place during a difficult situation? How did His protection manifest itself?
• C. Application:
◦ In every difficult situation we encounter here in Brazil, we must turn to God with faith and perseverance, making Him our refuge. He promises to care for those who trust in Him.
II. GOD IS OUR STRONG TOWER Psalms 61:3
• A. Your name, O Lord, is a strong tower.
◦ Proverbs 18:10 beautifully states, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe." God's very character and being provide impenetrable security.
◦ This strong tower offers rest and unwavering protection; no force can tear down the security we find in Him.
▪ Discussion: How does the "name of the Lord" represent His character and power as our strong tower? What does it mean to "run into it"?
• B. God is our fortress and our deliverer.
◦ Psalm 18:2 describes the Lord as "my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." He is our constant and reliable defense.
▪ Discussion: Reflect on the various ways Psalm 18:2 describes God's protective nature. Which of these descriptions resonates most with you in your current circumstances?
• C. Application:
◦ We can place our complete and unwavering trust in God. No one and nothing can ultimately harm us if we are truly under His divine protection.
III. GOD IS OUR ROCK Psalms 71:3
• A. God is the only true and steadfast rock.
◦ Deuteronomy 32:4, 15, and 18 remind us of God as the Rock, our firm foundation, whom we should never forget or belittle.
◦ 2 Samuel 22:32, 47-50 further emphasizes God as our Rock, our strength, and our deliverer, worthy of our highest praise.
▪ Discussion: Why is the metaphor of a "rock" so fitting to describe God's protective nature? What qualities of a rock illustrate His reliability?
• B. On this Rock, there is refuge and an unshakeable fortress.
◦ Psalm 27:5 assures us that in the day of trouble, God will conceal us in His shelter; He will lift us high upon a rock. Psalm 73:26 declares that even when our heart and flesh fail, God is the strength of our heart and our portion forever.
◦ Matthew 16:18 reveals Jesus' promise to build His church (representing our lives and the community of believers) on the rock, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
▪ Discussion: How does building our lives on the "rock" of Christ provide refuge and stability in the face of life's storms?
• C. Application:
◦ We must make a conscious decision to build our lives on the solid foundation of the Rock, who is Christ Jesus. In Him lies true and lasting protection.
IV. GOD WILL NEVER FORSAKE US Hebrews 13:5
• A. God does not abandon His children.
◦ Deuteronomy 31:6 is a powerful promise: "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." He promises His constant presence.
◦ 1 Samuel 12:22 records Samuel's assurance to Israel, "For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name's sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you his people." 1 God's love for His own is unwavering.
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▪ Discussion: How does the promise of God's constant presence bring comfort and security in challenging times?
• B. God does not abandon those who sincerely seek Him.
◦ Psalm 9:10 assures us, "And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 37:28 declares that the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever.
▪ Discussion: What does it mean to "know God's name" and "seek Him sincerely"? How does this relate to experiencing His unfailing presence?
• C. God is faithful even in affliction.
◦ Psalm 141:7–9 reveals the psalmist's trust that even when his life seems poured out on the earth, God will be his refuge and will free him from his enemies.
▪ Discussion: How does God's faithfulness in times of affliction strengthen our trust in His unfailing protection?
• D. Application:
◦ God is undeniably faithful. Therefore, we must all strive to be faithful to Him. He never abandons us, but we are called to live in holiness and obedience to His Word to continually walk in His protective presence.
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Conclusion
A. God is our ultimate refuge, a strong and impenetrable tower, and a firm and unshakeable rock. We can place our complete trust in His unfailing protection in every circumstance we face here in Brazil.
