Sheltered & Protected

    I have had Christian friends who were told there were too sheltered.  Their parents don’t allow them to go certain places, watch certain movies, listen to certain music, or hang out with certain friends.  Sometimes, these young people began to despise the way they are raised, they long to be like everyone else and escape the boundaries that seem so smothering to them.  Sheltered has become a word that is disdainful to them because sheltered mean that they are weak.

    Sheltered is to protect or shield something or someone from harm.  Why is sheltered and protected thought as weakness?  I have heard the regret in some young people’s voices because they did not have this protection, they did not have the boundaries to keep them safe.

    God is our own special shelter and source of protection.  He promises to keep us safe.  Here are some verses that tell of His promise:

PROVERBS 18:10  The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

PSALMS 57:1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

PSALMS 9:9  The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

PSALMS 46:1  God our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.        

PSALMS 62:7  In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

    All the times shelter and protection is mentioned, it denotes power and strength.  It promises peace and safety.  Why would we not want to embrace these safeguards?  My prayer is that you will accept these safe guards and not only accept them, but embrace them!

    Remember that this is not intended for your harm.  Just as a young plant is bound to a stake in the ground and protected from the strong winds and rain so that it may mature into a strong and mighty tree, so are we as we are strengthened and become able to stand for Him.    

     What about you?  Do you remember a time that your were especially grateful for this kind of protection?  Please share your experience.  :)