He covers us!

Earlier this summer, a friend used his skid-steer to clear a bank of a multitude of weeds and small saplings. I’ve since planted liriope and mondo grass, ground covers that should (I hope) spread and prevent the previous growth of poison oak, honeysuckle, briars, and trees from taking over again.

Lessons from nature

I love finding lessons from nature that apply to our daily lives. Just as this ground cover will serve to limit the influx of unwanted weeds and harmful plants, our God covers our sin and protects us daily from harm.

Blessed is the one whose transgression are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Psalm 32:1

This hardy ground cover I planted will spread and fill in empty spaces, preventing unwanted growth. God fills in the empty places of my life. He protects us from the weeds (temptations) of life and fills our lives with love. When we slip and fall into sin, He rescues us, picks us up, brushes off the dirt, and again, provides us with the shield of His protection.

You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. Psalm 85:2

But we still have responsibility

Of course, God’s willingness to forgive our sins doesn’t mean that we don’t have some responsibility in maintaining that shield of protection. If you look closely at my first picture, you will note some weeds trying to creep back. It’s my task to pull those weeds out, before they can spread and take over the area. It’s my job to do my best to live a righteous life under God’s protection.

“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD will never count against them.” Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have the saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. Romans 4:7-9

Those weeds in our lives can cause some real problems…

If you’ve ever been attacked by chiggers or poison oak/ivy, then you know weeds can be harmful. Queen Ann’s Lace is a lovely flower, but those little chigger bugs live on this weed. If you brush the flower when walking (or even get close) those little attack bugs leap unto you and you itch for weeks from the extreme irritation of their bite.

Sin is like that, too. It sneaks up on us and attacks when our defenses are down. Remember though, that God covers us with His protection. But just as I need to be constantly vigilant of my flowers beds to pull out the weeds, water as needed, and provide consistent and loving care, we must do our part to stay under God’s protection.

• Stay in His word–read and meditate over His Holy scripture daily.
• When sin temps us (those weeds) turn to God for protection–Call out to Him! Pray!
• Allow God to cover and shield us–meet Him in prayer regularly,
• Fellowship with believers to support each other. We may not be able to meet together in worship now, but we can find online support.
• Spread the love and Good News of Jesus to help stop the weeds of life for others!

Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:20

Love one another!

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

Aren’t we blessed that God covers us with His love and protection! Can you suggest other ways we can share God’s love with others?