Looking at what’s happening in the world today can leave us feeling vulnerable and discouraged. Strife, discord, and unrest seem to be everywhere and at all levels, and sometimes bad things that happen can hit too close for comfort. Relying on ourselves for our own protection can be hit-or- miss, because there’s always some element or angle we neglect to take into consideration. Fortunately, when we place our safety in God’s hands, we’re safe, protected, and delivered from any and all harm.

Focusing too much on news reports of what’s going on can open the door to fear and anxiety we don’t need. When we get tired of the constant barrage of bad news, we can refocus our attention on the good news contained in God’s promises of protection. “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3, NIV). Being regularly subjected to negative emotions can break us down and weaken us, but we can rely on God’s strength when we need it the most.

Divine protection is real. In the Old Testament, David relied on God to protect him from King Saul, who was determined to kill him. In the New Testament, Paul depended on God to deliver him from numerous murder attempts as he traveled and preached the gospel. When we entrust our safety to God, there’s no reason not to expect the same level of protection.

We can be surrounded by every kind of trouble imaginable threatening to crash in on us, but we’re safe when we trust God. “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” (Psalm 138:7, NIV). It doesn’t matter what the situation looks like from our perspective; things that bring others down can’t hurt us if we rely on Him. When others decide to set themselves up against us as our enemies, they don’t stand a chance. God is fighting our battles for us!

Although He’s willing and able to save us, we also have a part to play in our safety. We’re free moral agents blessed with the ability to choose for ourselves what to think, say, and do. Studying God’s Word shows us the importance of discretion, common sense, wisdom, and understanding. “Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted” (Proverbs 2:11, 12, NLT). Wisdom and understanding are gifts from God, and we receive those gifts when we entrust our safety to Him.

God loves us and doesn’t want anything bad to happen to us. When we hear Him speaking, advising us what to do or warning us away from a situation, it’s in our best interest to listen and obey. Following His directions keeps us safe, all the time and in every situation. “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:7, 8, NIV).

When we don’t know what to do, God gives us wisdom we don’t have on our own. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5, 6). Accepting His help is our best option. He puts us in a win-win situation.