When we keep our eyes fixed on our living God and trust in Him, we need not fear anyone, or anything. We may not know what would be our next challenge or who would be coming against us next but our sovereign God always has a foresight of everything. When our confidence is in God, we can relax and continue quietly with our lives leaving the rest to Him. Even when there is a violent storm outside, we can still sleep within our house in peace. Why? Because, often our God allows the storm to rage but defend and comfort us through His presence and Word. Our thought for our reflection this morning is, “Our God Watches Over Our Interests and Guards Us From Those Against Us.”
The angel of God said to me in the dream, “Jacob.” I answered, “. Here I am.” And he said, “Look up and see that all the male goats mating with the flock are streaked, speckled or spotted, for I have seen all that Laban has been doing to you. I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and where you made vow to me”
(Genesis 31:11-13)
Laban’s secret attempt to change the odds in his favour, were unknown to Jacob but not unknown to God. He cautioned Jacob and revealed Laban’s secret plans to him through a dream. Even when the evil motives and designs of those against us may escape us, they cannot be hidden from God.
1. Our God deals with every plot designed against us
God showed to Jacob that the male goats who were mating with the flock were all streaked, speckled or spotted like the very ones Laban had removed from the flocks Jacob was tending. Though Laban had hidden those flocks, the Lord said that He had seen all that Laban had been doing to Jacob. The important truth that the Bible reveals here for our encouragement is that, “When we place our faith in Him no weapons forged against us will prosper. How? Because our God Himself watches over our interests.” Are we unnecessarily worrying and troubled by the supposed secret designs and schemes of others against us?
2. Our God defends us from every attack against us
Laban was furious when he came to know that Jacob and his family had secretly left without informing him. He reacted as if Jacob was a thief and pursued him for seven days before he caught up with him in the hill country of Gilead (Genesis 31:23). But during the journey God warned Laban in a dream-
“say not a word to Jacob, either good or bad”
(Genesis 31:24)
That seems to be an idiomatic expression warning Laban not to harm Jacob. Thus God defended Jacob and his family from Laban’s hostile intentions. When God is with us as our defense who can be against us?
Shall we look back and recollect the numerous times the Lord has stood for us and defended us from many dangerous situations. The same Lord will continue to deal with every plot designed against us and defend us from every attack of the evil one. Let’s pray:
“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster passed (Psalms 57:1). Deliver me from my enemies O God; protect me from those who rise up against me (Psalms 59:1). Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me (Psalms 138:7). Thank you Lord for watching over my interests and my life.
In Jesus’ name,... Amen!"