Scripture
But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.
(2 Thessalonians 3:3, ESV)
Thoughts
“The Lord is faithful.” How do we know God is faithful? We know because Paul assures us that God will establish us. What does establish mean? When he establishes us, God makes each of us stand strong. He is able fix our feet on a firm foundation. God will give each of us a steadfast mind.
It is so helpful to read this verse in its context, and I really like The Message version:
One more thing, friends: Pray for us. Pray that the Master’s Word will simply take off and race through the country to a groundswell of response, just as it did among you. And pray that we’ll be rescued from these scoundrels who are trying to do us in. I’m finding that not all “believers” are believers. But the Master never lets us down. He’ll stick by you and protect you from evil. Because of the Master, we have great confidence in you. We know you’re doing everything we told you and will continue doing it.(2 Thessalonians 3:1–4, MSG)
God makes us stand firm, and he guards us from the evil one. Think about that! God is our bodyguard. That is amazing. He is faithful to protect us. I am confident in God, and that confidence spills over from me to other believers. King David records this same confidence:
The Lordis my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lordis the stronghold [defense]of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.(Psalm 27:1–3, ESV)
Application
Today, don’t forget God is protecting you from the evil one. It’s the evildoers who will stumble and fall, so stand confident! Stand knowing that God is your guard. Stand knowing that God establishes you. There is nothing you need fear.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for guarding me today. Thank you for keeping me upright and keeping me from stumbling. My confidence is in you. . . . Continue praying.