by Tim Groves

This proverb shows the source of real safety and protection, and where we should place our trust.

Ever since Adam and Eve rejected God and followed Satan’s influence, humans have placed trust in themselves and their strength (Proverbs 14:12). Nations devote billions of dollars on military spending, yet the Bible says not to trust in our own weapons for protection against our enemies (Psalm 44:6-7).

Remember, the Egyptian army—which history suggests was the most powerful on earth at the time—sought to destroy God’s people who seemed completely defenseless, trapped at the Red Sea. But God was their defense and completely destroyed the superior Egyptian army that had them cornered (Exodus 14:5-31).

God didn’t intend His people to have a military, as He promised to fight their battles (Deuteronomy 1:30). Yet ancient Israel didn’t fully trust God for its protection and ended up building an army and going to war like all the surrounding nations. Even though God allowed it, He still reminded them to trust in Him for deliverance and not themselves (Deuteronomy 20:1-4).

Likewise, Christians today are to trust in God for protection and deliverance, not looking to our own strength. We should do our part to avoid dangerous situations when possible and should never trust only in our own strength to deliver us from danger.

When the multitude came to arrest Jesus Christ, Peter drew a sword to defend Him. Jesus quickly reprimanded him for using violence, telling Peter that God could easily deliver Him (Matthew 26:50-53).

A fundamental truth of the Bible is that when God is for us, no one can be against us (Romans 8:31).

God promises a future place of protection for His people during the tumultuous and dangerous end times. To learn more about that future protection, read our article “Place of Safety.”

Tomorrow on the Daily Bible Verse Blog: “Jacob Crosses His Arms."