by Myrna Rodriguez

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strong rock, in him will I trust; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower. Psalm 18:2

Lately I’ve been meditating and speaking into my daily prayers, on specific characteristics of God that I have experienced in my daily walk with Him. In the recent weeks, I have been spiritually and profoundly stirred on God as a faithful protector who has comforted, shielded, delivered and enveloped me with His deep love. I intentionally have been recalling events where God’s protection has been evident, whether in past situations or recent occurrences and praising and adoring Him for providing refuge and protection.

One such recent occurrence was during my birthday in October. I was headed out to NYC from Connecticut, to meet up with my daughter who was going to take me out to dinner to celebrate. Twenty minutes into my drive, as I was reaching the Connecticut-New York border, my car’s tire indicator light went on. I quickly got off the road and checked the tires. All seemed well but something inside (I say the Holy Spirit), told me to cancel and head back home, which I did. The next day, I took the car to a service station to check the tires and the repair guy told me that my back passenger tire pressure was at 7 and I had two pieces of thick sharp metal visibly sticking out from the tire. Now some may think this common and something that happens normally and no big deal. Well for me it was a big deal because had I continued on my way, I would have been stranded alone on a dark road, on a snowy icy night, one hour away from home and without any immediate help.

God is so faithful, and listening obediently to His guidance builds faith and trust in God as our protector. During this advent season, I invite you to think of situations and areas in your life in which you have seen God manifest Himself as your protector and as Psalm 46:1 proclaims, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of need.