God Spreads His Protection Over Us

The bark of a Ponderosa Pine has always intrigued me. Its striking appearance makes it stand out among all other types of trees in the forest. As you can see from the picture below, the bark is a beautiful cinnamon colour highlighted with dark brown crevices. And if you get close enough, you will smell a pleasant aroma, much like the smell of vanilla.

All trees have bark, a strong protective outer layer to safeguard the soft wood underneath. God promises in His Word that if we take refuge in Him, rejoice, sing joyful praises to Him always, and love His Name, He will spread His protection over us much like the shielding bark of a tree.

"But let all who take refuge in You rejoice;

let them sing joyful praises forever.

Spread Your protection over them,

that all who love Your Name

may be filled with joy."

Psalm 5:11 (NLT)

If a tree is cut deep enough, its flow of food will be disrupted, causing it to starve to death. And even if the cut is small and doesn't extend very far, the tree will be susceptible to insect infestations and fungus infections, causing probable death. Likewise, the protection we receive from God can also be penetrated, leaving us susceptible to harm and death, if we fret, allow fear to grip our hearts, grumble and complain, and distrust His Name. May we, as God's children, learn to forever trust, praise, and love God, taking refuge in His never-changing Word, so we will always have His protective covering.