on guard
Being “on guard” means to be on duty to protect or defend. Inspired by Psalm 29:11-12, “For he shall give his angels charge over these, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone,” this painting depicts the presence of God’s unseen angel(s) who God has directed to keep charge over His children. Psalm 34:7 says that “the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and rescues them.” It is a relief to know that we have a protector, a rescuer, and a guide – God.
So many of us try to face life’s wilderness alone; by our own strength and might. Because of this we are often worried, anxious, depressed, and overwhelmed. We are not meant to do “life” alone. We’re meant to lean and depend on the One true source of strength and power. The One true source of peace and contentment, God. He alone knows the twists and turns in the path ahead and will protect us from the pitfalls we do not see.
This painting gives us a glimpse of a larger-than-life presence watching over us and “on guard” to protect us, wherever we go and in whatever we do. This protection can be in any form – spiritual, mental, physical, emotional, social, etc. Even if we do fall or fail in life and experience hurts and pains that seem too much to bear, God is there to help us through them. Jesus himself said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” None of us are immune to trials, but as followers of Christ, we are given God’s grace – His unmerited favor that imparts strength to endure trials and resist temptations.