In a desert land he found him,
in a barren and howling waste.
He shielded him and cared for him;
he guarded him as the apple of his eye
(Deuteronomy 32:10, italics added).
Notice the verbs: found, shielded, cared for, and guarded. Just as God watched over the Hebrew nation in the wilderness, God is surely watchful over each of us. See if these stories trigger memories of your own–when God found, shielded, cared for, and guarded you.
FOUND:
Growing up in a Christian home, I learned about Jesus before taking my first steps. At age four, after hearing the crucifixion story, I asked Jesus to be my Savior and constant Companion. Even as a preschooler, I understood my need for Someone to take the punishment I deserved for my naughtiness, so I could receive God’s gift of eternal life. If Jesus was willing to suffer and die in my place, how could I say, “no?”
Praise God he seeks after lost sheep—even the little ones (Luke 15:4)!
Where did God find you?
SHIELDED:
Numerous times over the years I have felt shielded from harm, including serious car accidents.
One time while approaching a stoplight, I hit a rain-slicked patch of city street, with cars in front of me and a bus to the right. My car began to slide and swerve; I started pumping the brakes. But there was no way to stop soon enough and avoid collision with the slowing line of vehicles ahead.
I took a chance and turned a bit to the right, hoping beyond hope there would be enough room for me to squeeze ahead of the bus, where the lane was open. Surely God intervened and created the needed space. (I think he also alerted the bus driver to apply his brakes and leave room for me!) My car did come to a safe stop, with room to spare.
God has shielded me in other important ways, too. He’s protected me from life-choices that would have led me down treacherous paths. He’s saved me from unhealthy relationships.
Praise God he is our shield! We can trust in him, and receive the help we need (Psalm 28:7).
How has God shielded you?
CARED FOR:
I couldn’t find the dental insurance form I needed to drop off at Dr. H.’s office. Jeremy (our younger son and a middle schooler at the time) assisted me in a thorough search. No form. While out on my walk, it suddenly occurred to me the form may have been gathered up with the newspaper. Sure enough, that’s where it was. Being Wednesday, those papers—and the dental form—should have been long gone in the recycling truck, but Jeremy was saving newsprint for his art teacher. God not only revealed to me the location of that form, but kept it safe, saving me the hassle of getting a new one and filling it all out again.
Praise God for his loving attention, even in small matters like dental forms (1 Peter 5:7)!
How has God cared for you?
GUARDED:
One spring day in 1985, an elderly gentleman hit the gas pedal instead of the brake, at the stop sign on our corner. He drove his station wagon right through the garage wall. Several feet more to the right and he would have plowed into our daughter’s room, and she was playing there at the time. The driver was protected, too, sustaining only minor injuries.
Praise God he guards us like an eagle, hovering over its young (Deuteronomy 32:11).
How has God guarded you?
THE APPLE OF HIS EYE:
The last phrase of Deuteronomy 32:10 explains why God is so attentive to his people. We are the apple of his eye. Some translations replace apple with pupil. God protects us as the pupil of his eye.
Just as our eyesight is precious to us, so we are precious to God.
As we’re careful to provide protective care for our eyes, shielding them from danger, for example, so God provides loving, protective care of us.
May we continually praise our God for all he is to us. First, he found us, and then became our attentive Shield, Provider, and Guard.
(“You make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands” — Psalm 92:4.)
In the Comments below, please share your personal stories of how God found you, or how he has proved himself as your Shield, Provider, and Guard. Let’s celebrate together God’s powerful deeds on our behalf!
(Art and photo credits: www.biblewalks.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.com; http://www.imagefriend.com; http://www.slideshare.net; http://www.pinterest.com.)
From the Inside Out 
This is a powerful reminder, dearest Nancy! I appreciate the way you showed us God’s heart for us. He is so tender and kind toward His children. I am grateful that He is able to shield and protect us from ultimately the most horrendous plight, an eternity without Him. Thank you!!
You are very welcome, Friend. Delighted to bring encouragement to you as you have so often done for me!
Nancy, the picture of the dear little girl praying reminded me of our Rebekah, now 2-1/2. When we have family dinners she always wants to begin the prayer and says: “Thank you God for my family and this food. Amen.” A couple of weeks ago her baby sister, 3 month old Emily Anne was dedicated. Following the dedication, Rebekah heartily sang out as the congregation sang “Jesus Loves Me”. There is nothing more precious than a small child engaging in Christian activities. Thank you for sharing this delightful message. Love to you and Steve.
You are so right. I’ve taken the same delight in the songs, prayers and hearty “AMENs!” of our two-year old granddaughter. Faith can blossom in a very young child when nurtured. Thank you for your love, Ruth. Now we send it back to you!
Such a great a breakdown of this verse. What struck me the most was the first line “In a desert land he found him” I think because I am in the middle of my study this year of the Desert Mothers and Fathers and think the verse you showcased reminded me to stay where I am. I will find God in this desert. Thanks Nancy and have a terrific weekend
Indeed, a timely verse for your circumstances right now, Jean. May you discover delightful lessons and enjoy new blessings, even as you abide for awhile in a desert!
Every now and then God tells me he loves me so vehemently that I find it hard to convince him he’s mistaken.
Awww, Mitch. I have a feeling your humility makes him love you all the more!
Thank you Nancy for your timely reminder of just how much God cares for each of us, and so protects us.
Thank you, Gill, for taking the time to comment. So glad the reminder was timely for you!
Praise the Lord he has guarded my loved ones from harm. I’m thinking especially of the time when a semi went off the road and plowed right into my teenage nephew’s bedroom where he and a friend were sleeping. Praise the Lord neither was hurt. I believe that this bedroom was double-bricked… The Lord had arranged that years before I am sure!
Oh, my. What a miracle THAT was! Indeed, praise God for his protective care. Thank you for sharing your story.
What a reminder, Nancy! I recall asking Jesus into my heart out in the woods of Central Oregon on our annual family hunting trip. I must have been 3 or 4. My grandmother was there and told me how to get right with God. She died a couple of years later, but her love for Jesus warms me still.
I could go on and on about times He protected me, even in the midst of my rebellious years, but that should be a post of my own someday. Suffice it to say, your prodding to remember is making me feel exceedingly joyful and grateful this afternoon. Thank you!
Oh, yes! Do write that post highlighting God’s protective care in your life. Meanwhile, enjoy those memories that add joy and gratitude to your day!