These geese are alert and on alert! As a defensive maneuver, they have stationed themselves to observe all points of the compass and seem to be “circling the wagons”, a tactic used by early pioneers to corral their oxen or horses at night and to protect themselves as they travelled West on the Oregon Trail.
We all attempt to protect ourselves from potential danger whether that is physical harm, toxic relationships, or situations that rob us of peace and joy. But danger always lurks because we are limited and flawed. Sometimes we are undiscerning or at the mercy of others who are also limited and flawed!
“We do what we do because we want what we want.” We batter natural weaknesses and understand what the Apostle Paul meant when he said he was prone to do what he really didn’t want to do! Sometimes his willfulness countermanded his sense of rightness. But more than that we have to deal with a chaotic, confused, disoriented world whose values are thin, relative, and transitory. It is easy to find oneself caught in the ditch of moral dilemmas.
Although our spirits may be oppressed and endangered by vain people and their philosophies, by untruths, and by prevalent, misguided, distorted images and unhealthy practices, they have not been left completely unprotected and vulnerable. Our soul safety is predicated on God’s integrity. “The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous run into it and are safe”. (Proverbs 18:10)
The King of Syria had become so annoyed with the prophet Elisha that he secretly took a “great army” at night and surrounded the city where Elisha was staying in an attempt to seize him. “When Elisha’s servant went out the next morning, he saw the “army with horses and chariots …all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” (Elisha) said, ‘Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.’ So, the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:11-16)
God cares about His people even when they cannot see Him and fearfully cry out, “Alas. What shall we do?” (2 Kings 6:17) He created us and knows we are but fragile, broken, dust covered spirits who through faith have been granted great hope and safety because of the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus. He knows the number of hairs on our heads. King David asked “Wither can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139)
The Old and New Testaments affirm that faith is an active commitment to a relationship with God. The Psalmist sang, “You hold me up, and I shall be safe/ And shall have respect unto thy statutes continually. “ “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me/ For I wait for thee.” (Psalm 25:21) (Psalm 119:117). Faith is neither a passive intellectual state nor is it dependent upon circumstances. It is the kind of confidence modeled by Christ in His darkest hour, “Not my will but Yours be done.”
There is nothing passive about our faith journey. Scripture tells us to “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it… (Proverbs 4:23-27) Christ reiterated those same thoughts as he cautioned his disciples “… out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23)
Spiritual safety requires discipline and focus. “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.” (Proverbs 4:23-27) That is a tall order for this age where social media and celebrity worship constantly entice one to superficiality and spirit oppression. The Book of Hebrews tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus.(Hebrews 12:2) The Philippians were advised to think about “true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable” things. Because there is a spiritual battle for souls, the Ephesians were exhorted to put on God’s protective armor of truth, faith, salvation, the Gospel, righteousness, and prayer. (Philippians 4:8) (Ephesians 6:11-19)
We are free to choose whether we will live inside or outside the circle of God’s blessings and protection. Living within that circle requires intentionality and mindful vigilance to guard hearts from destructive ploys of the enemy of our souls. God always provides the means to combat or escape. It is our duty to be “on guard.” As the Psalmist rejoiced: “Thou art my hiding-place; Thou wilt preserve me from trouble; Thou wilt compass me about with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7)
Sweet Words from Maine 