The Lord as Our Sympathizing, Sure, and Everlasting Protector

Psalm 5:11 declares that those who trust in Yahweh shall rejoice, for He defendest them. This protection operates across five dimensions of divine care.

First, Elohim is a sympathizing Protector. He guards us as the apple of His eye—the most sensitive, cherished part of human sight. Second, He is a sure Protector, wielding His right hand to save with almighty power and perfect wisdom. Third, His protection is personal; He does not deal with masses in abstraction but with individual souls. Fourth, His protection proves everlasting: "Underneath us are the everlasting arms."

Fifth, His protection flows from love. The most endearing images in Scripture reveal the tenderness of our God toward His children.

Yet protection requires reciprocal faith. Those who would be defended must trust themselves entirely into His care and submit to His sovereign wishes. Is trust difficult when we remember His omnipotence and fatherly affection? His protection extends across spiritual warfare: He saves us from the slavery of sin, the penalty of transgression, the mark sin leaves upon the soul, and the despair that follows failure.

Mozart, at twenty-one, embodied this trust. The composer wrote: "I have God always before me. Whatever is according to His will is according to mine, therefore I cannot fail to be happy and contented." Such joy flows from complete abandonment to Adonai's defense.