12 For you shall not go out in haste,
and you shall not go in flight,
for the LORD will go before you,
and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. Isaiah 52:12
God is with us. His very name, Emanuel, shouts the good news. Hebrews 13:5 declares to us that He will never leave us or forsake us. That is a comforting Word! Isaiah 52:12 affirms that He is both our guide and our guard.
The prophet Isaiah assured Israel of the presence, guidance, and protection of God. He promised Israel they would not be driven out of Babylon in a rush as their forefathers were driven out of Egypt. They had time…time to prepare, time to take care of every detail. The Almighty was present, ready to lead and prepared to protect His chosen people.
It is comforting to know that the LORD goes before me. He calls me to keep my eyes on Him as He leads. Like a general leads an army, our LORD guides His people. In trying situations, I often tell myself, “God has this.” Indeed, He does! My assignment is to follow Him, obey Him, and trust the One who has the power to keep me.
What a joy to know that He is in control. Not me. Not you. Not governments, political figures, friends, enemies, employers, or even family members… God. He is our leader, and He is in control.
And what about the rearguard? He is constantly keeping watch over us, even our vulnerable backs. I know several people who I trust will always “have my back.” In the grand scheme of things, those treasured individuals are few. The one we can always trust to protect our back is the one we can trust with everything, Jesus.
I am blessed to be securely guarded by the Lord. Knowing that the rearguard is present and strong allows focusing on the task. I can confidently keep my eyes on the Leader, Jesus Christ, my Lord.
What about you? Are you following the One who can be both a guide and guard? Do you trust Him? I mean, REALLY trust Him? Do you trust Him with your children? Marriage? Finances? Health? You can find true peace when you trust the One who lovingly guides you and fiercely protects you.
I pray that you know Him, trust Him, and follow Him: Jesus Christ, our Lord. “He’s got this!”
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#charlenemillerblogs
