Pr. 2:8: “He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints.”
Perhaps it is because I am reading through The Hobbit again, but this verse brings to my mind visions of dragons, trolls, goblins, rangers, and elves.
If you have never read the novels by J. R. R. Tolkien, let me introduce you to a character from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, named Aragorn. He pledges himself to be the protector of a Hobbit (small man) named Frodo Baggins. He guarded and looked after Frodo along some very dangerous paths. Even near the end of the story, when Frodo was far from Aragorn’s reach, Aragorn was basing his decisions on what would help Frodo.
As outstanding and mighty as Aragorn is, his strength and protection can never match that of the Lord and Creator of the Universe. When we walk uprightly, when we make decisions that keep us on paths of righteousness, God guards and protects us.
The Lord has pledged Himself to His children. He is not only our Protector, but also our Refuge, our Strength, our Deliverer, our Restorer, our Provider. He loves us so much that He even offered up His own Son to die for OUR sins. (not His) He does not desire that any of His children should perish, so protecting and caring for us, He made a way of grace for us to spend eternity in heaven with Him.
Ps. 94:14 tells us that the Lord will not forsake His inheritance. He is always with us and always on our side.
Ps. 37:23-24 tells us even more: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand.”
We may fall while on the path (Frodo was stabbed by a poisoned blade under Aragorn’s watch), but the Lord is ever there to reach down, grab us, and pull us to safety. He continues to protect and care for us.
Do not fear. Continue to walk on the path of justice and righteousness. God is ever by your side, guarding and protecting you until the very end. He longs for us to be together for eternity. He will do all He can for His children who desire the same.
Under His protection,
jamie
considering the word 