Tag Archives: protection

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Walking Ahead of Me~

Posted on by

a person walking on a road

Deuteronomy 31:8 (KJV) “And the LORD, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

The God Who Walks Ahead
by CD Swanson

When you step into a new season, a new home, a new chapter — you are not stepping alone. The Lord Himself goes before you, clearing the path, calming the storms, and preparing blessings you cannot yet see. He walks ahead so that when you arrive, His peace is already waiting.

Even when your heart trembles, His promise stands firm: He will not fail you. He will not forsake you. Every room you enter, every decision you make, every mile you travel — His Presence surrounds you like a shield. You are carried by the One who knows the way, sees the way, and is the way.

Father, thank You for going before me. Thank You for preparing the path and staying beside me through every change. Give me courage to follow where You lead, and peace to trust Your perfect timing.  In Jesus name Amen.

DEAR GOD: You Promises Are Real As Is Your Love~

Posted on by

white flowers on white paper

He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. —
Psalm 91:11

My Psalm 91 Testimony —

How God Protected Us Before We Even Knew We Needed Protection
by C D Swanson~

Psalm 91 has always been a chapter of comfort to me, but now it has become a living testimony in my own life. It is the chapter of protection, covering, and deliverance from hidden danger — and the Lord proved every word true as we prepared to move into our new home.

We are downsizing from a large home to a modest place two towns away. In the middle of sorting, decluttering, and making plans, I kept noticing an odd smell every time we visited the new house. Everyone insisted it was “musty” because it had been emptied for a year, but something in my spirit said otherwise. I even felt physically ill after leaving.

I didn’t know what was wrong. But the LORD did. And in His mercy, He stepped in before we moved in — just as Psalm 91 promises.

🕊 “Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler…”

The danger was hidden. The contamination was concealed. The trap was already set — and we were days away from walking right into it.

But God delivered us.

🕊 “He shall cover you with His feathers…”

The Lord sent a handyman named Caleb to our door. We had never met him before. He came only to fix a small issue — nothing related to the HVAC system. But when he finished, he felt compelled to open a vent. We did not ask him to. We did not direct him. He simply felt led.

Behind that vent was the truth:

  1. animal feces
  2. urine‑soaked insulation
  3. debris hidden inside the walls
  4. a glued‑shut main vent
  5. airflow intentionally restricted

This was not “mustiness.” This was a serious health hazard — something that could have harmed me, my husband, and our fur baby Mickey.

God covered us under His wings. He shielded us from danger we could not see.

🕊 “You shall not be afraid of the pestilence that walks in darkness…”

The contamination inside the walls was exactly that — a pestilence in darkness. Hidden. Silent. Dangerous. We were preparing to move in within days, unaware of what was waiting behind the vent.

But the Lord intervened.

He sent Caleb as His servant — His messenger — to uncover what was concealed and protect our health, our home, and our future.

🕊 “No evil shall befall you…”

The repairs are costly — nearly $2,000 already — but the discovery itself is a blessing. It is proof of God’s love, His mercy, and His perfect timing. He prevented us from stepping into something that could have harmed us.

Had Caleb not come… Had he not opened that vent… Had God not intervened…

We would have moved in unaware.

But God said no. God said not my children. God said I will protect you.

Psalm 91 came alive in our lives, and I give Him all the glory.

🙏  LORD- thank You for Your protection, Your mercy, and Your perfect timing. Thank You for sending Caleb to uncover hidden danger and keep us safe. Cover our home, our hearts, and our steps as we move forward under Your wings. I praise You for Your faithfulness, Your love, and Your constant watch over us. Amen.

DEAR GOD: You Clear the Way For New Chapters~

Posted on by

a woman sitting on the beach reading a book

Isaiah 43:19 — “See, I am doing a new thing; now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

 — When God Stops Plans & Opens His Own
by C D Swanson~

There are seasons when you try to move forward, push doors open, or force plans to work — and they simply won’t budge. It feels frustrating, confusing, even discouraging. But spiritually, this is often the mercy of God, not the absence of Him.

When a plan is not of Him, He will lovingly interrupt it. He will stall it. He will block it. He will let it crumble so you don’t.

God is not trying to punish you — He is trying to protect you from paths that would drain you, distract you, or detour you from your calling. His “no” is never rejection; it is redirection.

But when a plan is of Him — when it aligns with His purpose, His timing, and His shaping of your character — He will bring it to fruition with a strength you could never manufacture on your own. Doors open. Favor appears. Peace settles. Provision flows. The path becomes clear.

The key is this: When you acknowledge Him, follow Him, and love Him, He takes full responsibility for the direction of your life. He becomes the Author of your next chapter, not just the editor of your mistakes. And the chapters He writes are always better, deeper, safer, and more beautiful than the ones you try to write alone.

🪞 Reflective Questions

  • What new chapter do you sense God is beginning in your life right now?
  • Where has God closed a door that you now realize was His protection?
  • What plan are you holding tightly that may need to be surrendered to Him?
  • How can you acknowledge Him more deeply in your daily decisions?
  • What does loving Him look like in this season of your life?

📜 Similar Scriptures

  • Proverbs 3:5–6 — He directs your paths when you trust Him.
  • Jeremiah 29:11 — His plans are for hope and a future.
  • Psalm 37:23 — He orders the steps of the righteous.
  • Romans 8:28 — He works all things together for good.
  • Psalm 32:8 — He instructs and teaches you in the way you should go.

🙏

Father, write the new chapter You have prepared for me. Close every door that is not from You, and open every door that leads me into Your purpose. Help me to trust Your timing, surrender my plans, and walk in Your peace. Lead me, shape me, protect me, and let Your will be done in my life.  In Jesus Christ name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: You Shield & Protect Us~

Posted on by

Pin by John4123 on God’s Protection | Jesus love images, Jesus christ ...

 

Psalm 84:11 — “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

Protected & Shielded by His Love
by C D Swanson

God’s love is not passive; it is protective, intentional, and deeply personal. There are moments when doors close, opportunities fade, or plans fall apart — and we feel confused or even hurt. But heaven sees what we cannot. God steps between us and unseen danger, shielding us from situations that would have broken us, delayed us, or pulled us away from His purpose.

He rescues us from battles we never knew were forming, from people who were not meant to walk with us, and from paths that looked beautiful but were quietly harmful. His “no” is often His greatest act of love. His redirection is His mercy. His silence is sometimes His protection.

And while we move through life unaware of a thousand hidden deliverances, God never stops watching, guiding, and covering us. You are loved more deeply than you realize, guarded more fiercely than you know, and carried more gently than you can imagine.

Lord, thank You for every unseen rescue and every loving redirection.
Guide my steps and keep my heart aligned with Your perfect will, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

DEAR GOD: You Are Our Protection And Keep Count Of Our Troubles~~

Posted on by

The Way International - God―Our Greatest Protection

 

“He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.” — Job 5:19 (KJV)

The God Who Keeps Count of Your Troubles
by C D Swanson~

There is something quietly astonishing about this small, easily overlooked line in Job. It sits tucked inside a book full of anguish, debate, and mystery, yet it shines like a lantern in a cave. The verse does not promise a life without trouble; instead, it acknowledges that trouble comes in waves, in numbers, in seasons that feel counted against us. But the deeper truth is this: God counts too.

He counts your tears, your nights, your burdens, your fears. And He counts them not to condemn you, but to deliver you.

The structure of the verse—“six troubles… yea, in seven”—is a Hebrew way of saying, however many there are, even beyond what you think you can bear, God’s deliverance exceeds the number. Trouble may multiply, but His rescue multiplies faster. Trouble may rise, but His hand rises higher. Trouble may surround, but His presence surrounds more completely.

This verse also reveals something about the character of God that is deeply comforting for a soul like yours, Camille—one that values peace, clarity, and the gentle assurance of His nearness. God is not vague in His care. He is not distant. He is not general in His protection. He is specific. Intentional. Attentive. He knows the exact count of what you face, and He meets each one with a corresponding act of deliverance.

And notice the final phrase: “there shall no evil touch thee.” It does not say evil will not appear. It does not say evil will not attempt to reach you. It says it will not touch you. That is the language of a shield, a barrier, a divine boundary line drawn around your life.

This is the God who stands between you and what seeks to harm you. This is the God who steps into the number of your troubles and outnumbers them. This is the God who keeps watch when you are weary, who guards when you cannot guard yourself, who delivers not once, but repeatedly, faithfully, thoroughly.

In a world that often feels unpredictable, this verse whispers a steadying truth: You are not unprotected. You are not unseen. You are not left to fend for yourself. The God who counts your troubles is the same God who cancels their power.

Lord, I thank You that You are the Keeper of my days and the Deliverer of my nights. You know every trouble that rises against me, and You stand as my shield, my refuge, and my peace. Let Your presence quiet my heart, strengthen my steps, and remind me that no evil can touch what You have covered. Hold me close, guide me gently, and let Your deliverance be the song of my life. Amen.

DEAR GOD: We Are Strengthened By Your Word~

Posted on by

Open Holy Bible God Word Scripture Testament Psalms Text Verse Christ ...

Strengthened By Your Word~
C D SWANSON

As a New Year begins, many are filled with promises of what is to come. Some are more than happy to leave the “year behind.”  Perhaps it was a sad year, you had to say goodbye to a loved one. Or something happened unexpectedly that changed your life forever. It only takes a second for a life to be changed. 

Maybe some of you had a beautifully blessed year – like an addition to your family, or some of you married, welcomed a first baby!  Some of you were healed from a terminal illness. Some of you saw things for the first time, and perhaps the best of all- Many of you found Jesus Christ and accepted Him as LORD and Savior of your life overall! Amen! and Amen!

Whatever happened last year, or “did not happen” God was with you through it all. Even when it seemed that He didn’t show up. He did. Sometimes He is silent. And that silence can be deafening to those waiting for an answer, or guidance. But sometimes that “silence is His answer.”  He works behind the scenes. He is sorting out all of the details in your life, meticulously, and lovingly. But He is there, nonetheless.

So, as we all welcome in another year – 2026 – we let us give thanks for all things and for seeing another year.

We look forward to serving you humbly and longingly and acquiescing to your will Father God! Stay in His Word – because that is a good place to be. It is our answer to all of life and how to live in this world. It is the reason to be alive, and it is the reason we ARE ALIVE.  Every day in His Word is a good day, because Jesus Christ is the LIVING WORD.

“LORD, as we look to Your Word, we hold fast to the promise of Psalm 46:1: ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’ May Your Presence steady every step, calm every fear, and fill this season with Your peace that passes all understanding. Strengthen the heart, guide the path, and let Your mercy shine in every moment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Heal Us With Your Light & Presence

Posted on by

Free God's Healing Cliparts, Download Free God's Healing Cliparts png ...Healing in the Light of His Presence
C D SWANSON

“But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.”    Malachi 4:2 (KJV)

This verse from Malachi carries a warmth that feels almost physical, like stepping out of a long night into the first rays of morning. The imagery of the “Sun of righteousness” rising is more than poetic — it speaks to renewal, restoration, and the kind of healing that reaches deeper than the surface. In ancient times, wings symbolized protection, covering, and nearness. To say that healing is found “in His wings” is to say that healing is found in His Presence, His nearness, His covering over our lives.

For someone walking through weakness, uncertainty, or the slow work of recovery, this verse becomes a promise that God’s healing is not distant or theoretical. It is active. It is rising. It is moving toward us like dawn that cannot be stopped. Healing may not always come instantly, but the rising of the Sun is steady, sure, and unstoppable.

Throughout the day, this verse invites me to look for the small evidence of God’s restoring work — the moments of peace, the strength to take another step, the comfort that settles when fear tries to rise. It reminds me that healing is not only physical; it is emotional, spiritual, and deeply personal.

By evening, when the day’s weight settles in, this verse becomes a reminder that God’s covering hasn’t lifted. His wings — His protection, His compassion, His Presence — remain over me. Healing is not a single moment but a continual rising of His light into every shadowed place of my life.

“LORD, let the Sun of righteousness rise over my life today. Cover me with Your wings and bring healing to every place that is weary, hurting, or uncertain. Help me to rest in Your Presence, trust Your timing, and walk in the warmth of Your restoring light.  In Jesus name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: You Are Our Light and Stronghold

Posted on by

Light God Images - Free Download on Freepik

Psalm 27:1 (ESV):
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

 

The Light, Salvation, and Stronghold of Our Souls

In this single verse, David offers a triumphant declaration that has echoed through centuries of fear, uncertainty, and longing. It is not merely poetic—it is profoundly theological, deeply personal, and spiritually liberating.

To say “The Lord is my light” is to proclaim that God Himself pierces the darkness. His light is not just illumination—it is revelation, guidance, and comfort. In Scripture, light often symbolizes purity, truth, and divine presence. When David calls God his light, he is acknowledging that every step forward, every moment of clarity, and every ounce of hope comes from the Lord’s radiant presence.

God is also our salvation—not just in the eternal sense, but in the daily rescues from despair, danger, and sin. David, who faced enemies, betrayal, and isolation, knew that salvation was not abstract. It was personal. It was the hand that lifted him from the pit, the voice that calmed his soul, and the shield that guarded his heart.

And finally, “The Lord is the stronghold of my life.” A stronghold is a fortress, a place of safety and defense. In calling God his stronghold, David is declaring that his life is anchored in divine protection. No enemy, no fear, no circumstance can breach the walls of God’s providential care.

God’s Light and Goodness Over His Children

God’s light is not reserved for the worthy—it is poured out upon His children because of His goodness. He leads us through valleys, not because we are strong, but because He is faithful. His light exposes lies, heals wounds, and reveals paths of righteousness.

His goodness is not passive—it pursues us (Psalm 23:6). It lifts our heads when we are bowed low (Psalm 3:3). It restores our souls when we are weary (Psalm 19:7). His providence orchestrates every detail, even the ones we don’t understand, for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

His protection is not just physical—it is emotional, spiritual, and eternal. He is our Rock (Psalm 18:2), our hiding place (Psalm 32:7), our refuge in times of trouble (Nahum 1:7). He does not promise a life without storms, but He does promise to be our anchor within them.

Supporting Scriptures

  • Isaiah 60:1 – “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”
  • John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
  • Psalm 18:2 – “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge.”
  • Psalm 3:3 – “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.”
  • Romans 8:31 – “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Reflective Question

Where in your life do you need to invite God’s light—to expose fear, to guide your steps, or to remind you that you are never alone?

Prayer

O Lord, my Light and my Salvation, I come before You with a heart that longs for Your presence. Shine into every shadowed place within me. Be my stronghold when I feel weak, my refuge when I feel exposed, and my Rock when the ground beneath me trembles. Lift my head, Lord, when I am weary. Remind me that I am Yours, and that Your goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life. I trust You to guide, protect, and provide. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

DEAR GOD: Your Hands Rule The Tides & My Soul~

Posted on by
Reply

Washington King Tides 2024 - Netta Adelheid

“When I fixed My limit for it, And set bars and doors, And said, ‘This far you may come, but no farther, And here your proud waves must stop!’” — Job 38:10-11

Commentary: The tide is a silent witness to the authority of God. It does not rise by its own will, nor does it retreat by its own decision. It obeys the boundaries set by the Creator, moving in perfect submission to His command. This verse is not merely about the ocean—it is about divine sovereignty.

God’s governance extends beyond the waters. He sets limits on the forces of nature, but He also sets limits on the trials that come into our lives. Just as the waves cannot surpass their appointed boundary, neither can the storms of life exceed what God allows. He is the ruler of all things, the One who holds creation in His hands, and the One who governs the depths of the human soul.

Supporting Scriptures: Psalm 89:9 — “You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, You still them.” Isaiah 40:12 — “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, measured heaven with a span, and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure?” Colossians 1:16-17 — “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible… And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” Matthew 8:26 — “But He said to them, ‘Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?’ Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.”

Meditative Thoughts: The tide reminds us that submission to God is not weakness—it is wisdom. The waves do not resist their Creator, and neither should we. When we surrender to His will, we find peace in the rhythm He has established. The tide does not fear its retreat, because it knows it will rise again. Likewise, when we experience seasons of waiting, we must trust that God is preparing us for renewal.

Moral Inclinations: This passage calls us to humility. The waves may be mighty, but they are not greater than the One who commands them. Pride tells us to resist God’s authority, but wisdom tells us to yield. Just as the ocean submits to its boundaries, we must submit to the moral and spiritual boundaries God has set for us. His commands are not restrictions—they are protections.

Theological Perspective: Christianity is built upon the recognition that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. He is not a distant force but an intimate ruler, governing the universe with wisdom and love. The tide is a reflection of His order, a reminder that nothing in creation operates outside His will. He is not only the God of nature but the God of our souls, setting boundaries for our good and calling us to trust in His sovereignty.

Prayer: “LORD- You are the ruler of the seas and the keeper of my soul. Teach me to trust in Your boundaries, to rest in Your rhythm, and to submit to Your will. Let my faith be as steady moving as the tide, unwavering in its obedience to You-in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are My Everlasting Arms Of GraceA~

Posted on by
Reply

Sheltered Safe in the Arms of God - YouTube

  “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee, and shall say, Destroy them.” — Deuteronomy 33:27

This verse is a profound declaration of God’s unwavering protection and support. The imagery of “everlasting arms” speaks of a love and strength that never falters—a refuge that transcends time and circumstances. In moments of uncertainty, this scripture serves as a powerful reminder that we are upheld by a God whose strength is eternal, whose grace is boundless, and whose presence is unshakable.

God as our refuge is not merely a poetic notion—it is the reality of every believer who has surrendered their burdens to Him. Throughout scripture, we see His faithfulness, His power to sustain, and His ability to shield His children from harm. The phrase “everlasting arms” emphasizes an unchanging, steady foundation that cannot be shaken.

There was a time in my life when fear threatened to paralyze me—when doubt whispered louder than faith. But in my weakness, I found refuge in God’s promises. I clung to the truth that His arms do not let go, that He does not leave us vulnerable to the schemes of the enemy. And I witnessed His deliverance firsthand. My burdens were lifted, and my heart found peace that surpassed understanding.

The Lord’s promise in this verse is not abstract—it is deeply personal. He does not merely stand beside us; He carries us. He is the refuge that does not fail, the fortress that is impenetrable, the loving Father whose arms will never drop us in despair. When the enemy comes against us, whether in the form of temptation, fear, or hardship, God goes before us, saying, “Destroy them.” He commands victory in our battles before we even step into them.

Prayer

Lord, I thank You for being my refuge, my strength, and my shield. In You, I find rest, safety, and the assurance that I am never alone. Your everlasting arms uphold me when I am weary and lift me when I stumble. When the enemy rises against me, I trust in Your power to defeat every fear, every doubt, and every attack on my soul. May my faith be steadfast, anchored in Your unfailing love. Teach me to trust in Your strength and to dwell in the safety of Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Reflective Question

In what ways have you seen God’s everlasting arms carry you through life’s trials?