Sometimes when we see bad things happening to others, our minds can play tricks on us. If we dwell on what we see, we could start worrying about the same thing happening to us. A fear-based consciousness causes us to focus on our weaknesses and vulnerabilities, and makes us wish we had protection against evil visiting us. Trusting in God’s promises gives us that protection, as well as peace of mind.

It doesn’t matter whether what happens is the result of what others do or the result of our own choices. God’s will for us is not bad, but good. “‘For I know the plans I have for you’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT). The world tells us bad things are waiting to happen, but God’s Word says something different. The message behind this promise is that something good is about to happen!

We have a choice whether we believe this or not, but agreeing with what God says brings us a peace we can’t get from the world. “Therefore, since we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God’s favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God” (Romans 5:1, 2, AMPC). Whether we think we deserve it or not, God offers us protection in Him, through His favor toward us. Real safety and security come only from Him.

Accepting Jesus as our Lord and savior not only gives us protection on every level, but it also makes us righteous in God’s eyes. It doesn’t matter what we’ve done in the past; Jesus is willing to accept us the way we are, right now. Putting God first distinguishes the righteous from the foolish. “Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour” (Proverbs 14:9).

We have security in the knowledge that, when we trust God, we’re in His hands and He delivers the righteous from every bad situation. We can learn a lesson from the Old Testament story of Job, who always anticipated something bad happening. His thoughts were powerful enough to bring to pass the very thing he feared but, in the end, God delivered him from evil and restored to him double what he lost. He’ll never let us down when we rely on Him for our safety. “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” (2 Timothy 4:18, NKJV).

At the very time when we feel our weakest and most vulnerable, studying our Bible and learning about God’s promises of protection puts our minds at ease. Leaning in and meditating on His word in this area is good for our souls and spirits. He shows mercy and grace to those who trust Him, and we know that we have nothing to fear when God is watching over us.