No time for protection?

Every word of God is pure:

He is a shield to those that trust in him.

Proverbs 305   1599 Geneva Bible

Though I know that sunscreen protects me from harmful UVA/UVB sun rays, in my eagerness to get on the trail or on the lake, I often don’t want to take the time to put it on.  I know and understand that it’s a protection for my skin, yet I don’t make it a priority nearly as often as I should.  Even with getting sunburned several times over the years, and knowing that sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer, I still struggle to take the time to put it on.

 Similarly, spending time in the Word of God and in His Presence is a spiritual shield of protection. Knowing and understanding His Word prepares me for the challenges and temptations of life in this fallen world.  Prayer and moments of quiet, resting in the love and comfort of Jesus, equip me with His strength to handle whatever the day may bring. Most of the time, I cherish this peaceful time with my Savior. However, there are days when a packed schedule prevents me from making space for that morning connection with God, and I rush into the day’s activities instead.

 The result is that I am woefully unprepared when the day does not go as planned—whether it’s dealing with rude people or frustrating situations. Without the spiritual protection that comes from spending time in God’s Word and Presence, I am less able to respond to these challenges with grace and mercy, and when those things happen, it doesn’t go well.

God provides His Word and Presence to us out of love because He knows that we need His love and guidance to navigate this world. Beginning each day with divine love and connection brings countless benefits. Just as sunscreen protects our skin, time spent in God’s Word and Presence serves as essential spiritual protection every single day. And, unlike the messy time consuming not fun task of applying sunscreen, time spent with God is joyful and peaceful!