A Constant Defender!

February 9, 2023

A Constant Defender!

There are times when we all need someone to defend us. 

In the courtroom, a falsely accused person needs an attorney to defend them.

In a football game, the quarterback needs the linemen to defend him.

In a playground scuffle, the child needs the teacher to defend her.

There are often times in life when we need someone to defend us.  A parent, a coach, or a friend can defend us when we are under attack.  A co-worker, a neighbor, or a police officer can defend us when we are under attack.

Several years ago, I found myself chairing a board made up of volunteers.  The responsibilities of the board were significant both in scope and in their impact upon the credentialing of candidates for ministry. 

One of the people who came before the board for review disagreed with the board’s discernment.  They responded by naming me along with about ten other leaders in a $1 million lawsuit.  When the papers were served by the Sheriff during one of our board meetings, I knew I needed someone to defend us…and me.

Although the suit was eventually dismissed, I experienced what it is like to come under attack.  I was falsely accused, drug through a complicated legal process, and was encouraged by other people to compromise my (and the board’s) integrity.

As important as it was to have people stand up to defend me, I am aware that sometimes I need a defender with more than human intellect or strength.  Sometimes we need the Lord God to defend us.

Here is the seventh attribute of the character of God; the Lord God is our constant defender. 

In Psalm 91:14 we hear; “Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name.”  The Lord will be a defender who delivers me and who protects me.  The Lord’s defense will be constant for those who love the Lord because the Lord loves us.

I may or may not need the Lord God to defend me in the courtroom or on the ball field or on the playground.  But when the power of darkness attacks me, I need the Lord God to be my constant defender.

From time to time, there are spiritual battles we encounter that can separate us from the love of Jesus, the love of other people, and even the love of our self.  These battles can be so far beyond our understanding and our ability to resist that we need the Lord to be our constant defender.

With confidence, I can cry out to the Lord God and ask Him to defend me.  In Psalm 43:1 we hear; “Vindicate (advocate for) me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people; from those who are deceitful and unjust, deliver me!”

Sometimes the power of darkness attacks me; my character, my status, my integrity.  Other times, the power of darkness attacks my faith, my joy, my hope.  Still other times, the power of darkness comes to attack my cause, my dream, God’s purpose for my life.

No matter from where the attacks come or whether the attacks are just or not, the Lord God will be your constant defender. 

I imagine you have a friend who feels like they are under attack.  The power of darkness seems to be winning the battle right now.  Your friend needs you; your prayers, your time, and your encouragement. 

Take time to sit with your friend this week.  Remind them that the Lord God is their constant defender.  When they experience the Lord as their defender, their heart will be filled with delight.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug

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