Protective Bulwark

I was observing a pink rose bud, just before it opens out and was looking at it's green protective clothing. It made me think that God has His protection wrapped around us also.

Job 1:10 ...Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side?...

When we choose to stand under the security of God and His word, His protection is over us.

Psa 5:11-12 ...But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You. For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield...

Psa 91:4 ...He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark..

Bulwark is a word I've heard a few times but never knew it's full meaning, so I checked it out. Bulwark = person or principle that protects. God is both our person and principle. How often do we associate God as our bulwark? Just as the green covering is a bulwark for the delicate budding rose, God is our protective bulwark. How often are our heads lowered in weariness, because the arrows and darts of Satan find a mark in our defences? It is difficult to be constantly vigilant, especially when this life is full of spiritual wear and tear. Without a protective shield, we will fall flat on our faces as we are constantly picked apart by Satan, who knows exactly where our weaknesses are.

Can you imagine the glee on his face when he devours, those who belongs to God?

1 Peter 5: 8 ...Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour...

It does help to know that even though we are wearied, our protector is constant and true.

Ps 3:3 ...But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head...

So as the green leaf protects the bud until it is ready to blossom and the world can behold its beauty, so too does God protect us each and every day, until we have served His purpose. The words of the hymn says A Mighty Fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing...

Do we trust Him in our lives?
        ... LORD,(be) My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust! Psa 91:2

Do you trust Him this much?