HAVE YOU EVER SOUGHT ADVICE UNDER FALSE PRETENSES?

Today's promise: God protects His people

Have you ever sought advice under false pretenses?

Ten days later, the Lord gave his reply to Jeremiah. So he called for Johanan son of Kareah and the army officers, and for all the people, from the least to the greatest. He said to them, "You sent me to the Lord, the God of Israel, with your request, and this is his reply: 'Stay here in this land. If you do, I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you. For I am sorry for all the punishment I have had to bring upon you.'" Acariah son of Hoshaiah and Johanan son of Kereah and all the other proud men said to Jeremiah, "You lie! The Lord our God hasn't forbidden us to go to Egypt!

Jeremiah 42:7-10; 43:2 NLT

False pretenses

Johanan and his army officials asked the prophet Jeremiah for guidance from God, but they had no intention of following it. Although they wanted God's protection, they were not willing to obey him. We learn from this experience that God protects those who obey him, but removes his presence from those who rebel against him.

When God delivered David from all his enemies — including King Saul — David praised God for his deliverance. David gave God credit in 2 Samuel 22:3 for protecting him from his enemies.

My God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold, my high tower, my savior, the one who saves me from violence.

Although God will not save us from troubles, he will protect us in the midst of them. In Psalm 91:4, the psalm writer encourages us to put out faith in God's protection.

He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

adapted from Living Water for Those Who Thirst Tyndale House Publishers (2000), pp 158-9

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House