Father’s Love: 30 Days of Discovering God as FatherSample

Day 14 – A Defender

Have you ever been bullied, only to have your father, sibling, or friend step in to defend you? How did that make you feel? I never experienced that from my earthly father, but I have from my spouse and friends. In college, I dated a young man who was no good for me. One night, his drunken roommate threatened to beat me up. My friend Rachel, who was with me, immediately stood face-to-face with him and said,“You dare threaten my friend? Try it and see what happens!” He backed down instantly.

I’ve never forgotten that moment, and Rachel and I remain friends to this day. You may or may not know what it feels like to be defended by a father, family member, or friend—but know this: God is the ultimate defender! The devil is a bully, but when your Heavenly Father shows up, he must flee. God declares, “Touch not my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm” (Psalm 105:15, ESV). He is your shield (Psalm 3:3), your refuge, and your Savior (2 Samuel 22:3). He defends you when you cannot defend yourself. Read 1 Peter 2:9 and see how your Father describes you—do you think He would ever leave you to the bullies when you call on Him?

Identify a battle you’re fighting today and ask God to be your Defender in it and teach you how to stand and fight (Psalm 144:1)

Read, internalize, and pray each scripture to deepen your faith.