My wife and I absolutely love having our children so nearby that often we get to just sit down
and hear how their days went. Many of our “kids” and kids in law are fairly animated and can
really share good and funny stories. Occasionally, these adult “kids” days don’t go so well and so
we are glad to sit and let them vent to us.
So, it always strikes me funny when one of them shares with us how they have been mistreated
or misused, to watch my wife turn into full “mama bear” mode. She gets extremely upset and
vows revenge on those who have hurt our kids. Now anyone that knows her knows that will
never happen, she is characteristically calm, levelheaded, and mature, totally in control at all
times… until someone goes after her baby cubs. We always just laugh at her protective instinct,
but deep down, it feels really good to have someone care that much, be so protective of you.
Too often in life we feel unloved, unprotected, insecure, and just long to feel totally protected by
someone. David, once again in Psalm 145 reminds us that for those who truly love Him… He is
that protection.
The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy. Psalm 145:20.
KJV
The word here “preserveth” is often used in the Old Testament and carries with it a lot of similar
meanings according to other contexts. But knowing the word David chose and how it is used
elsewhere should give us deeper understanding as to the depth of what he is trying to convey.
The word also translated, to have charge, be a gatekeeper, defender, guard, and my favorite,
bodyguard.
I’ve been many places where I needed private security and protection, and generally speaking, as
cool as it is to be given my own personal bodyguard, it is always overshadowed in the moment
by the fact that I’m in a place where I needed to be protected. I’m not an important enough
person just to travel with a bodyguard, I only have a bodyguard when I’m in a place that I would
probably be attacked if I didn’t have one.
In either case, having the knowledge that I have a “Bodyguard” in the chance that I needed Him,
or having a Bodyguard Who is actively protecting me in the midst of attack is of great comfort
and peace. And He’s available to all who love Him.
This use of the word “love” is seen in the Old Testament in a variety of intensely close emotional
bonds: As Abraham loved his son Isaac (Gen. 22:2), as Isaac loved his son Esau (Gen. 25:28),
and as “Israel loved Joseph more than all his children” (Gen. 37:3). It’s a unique, descriptive type
of love that God deserves, but few truly are able to give Him.
The Psalmist once again, with much description reminds us of what is available to us, a
Bodyguard, protective like a mama bear, a loving Father’s care and protection. All He asks for
in return is that we love Him as intensely as we are capable of, nothing more, nothing less.
Dr. Ronald J. Barnes, Jr.
President / CEO
July 24, 2023
