The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. (Zeph. 3:15)
It was 40 degrees and cloudy, but the road was clear. My two young children were in the backseat. The crest of a hill with a tree-lined valley lay just ahead. As soon as I passed the hill’s summit, my tires hit black ice. A tractor-trailer sat jack-knifed across the valley below. My car skidded in a circle as I slammed on the brakes and called out to God, “Help!” Jesus must have taken the wheel, because I ended up in the right lane in perfect position behind two other cars.
That’s not to say that Christians are never in car accidents, but the Lord does watch over his people, even when we are unaware of his presence. Zephaniah 3 is an encouragement to those who believe in Christ and a warning for those who don’t. First Peter 2:9 calls believers “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” Christ takes the punishment for our sins, rescues us, and protects us. Psalm 91:1, 4 say, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. . . . and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
Whether it is today, or in the future, God is ready to protect, guide, forgive, and give you hope. Will you let him?
Trust the watchful care of the Lord; it never changes.
Dale Witowski is a lay pastor, sanctuary steward, missions’ director, and Sunday school teacher at Horseheads Community Wesleyan Church (NY). She is also an artist and a poet.
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
