Sealed

There is something so reassuring about knowing that we are sealed in God's love and protection.

Nothing we do can break that seal.

God knows our schemes and plans to wander and rebel.

He's not surprised by our stubborn sassiness.

We are sealed in God's airtight love and protection for life.

That sure gives me some reassurance.

No matter how far I roam or what nonsense I get myself into, I'm safe.

God's seal of protection is like a barrier protecting me from harm - both to me and from me.

That feels great when I think about by own journey.

But what about them? You know who I'm talking about - those little buggers who've hurt or betrayed us.    

Shouldn't their seal be broken based on the terrible things they've done?

We want a merciful, airtight deal for ourselves, but those stinkers should be punished and get what they deserve.

But, through God's eyes, we are little stinkers that He loves without end and will stop at nothing to rescue and bring back into His love and protection.

Ugh. I really didn't want to receive that truth today.  

I feel pretty justified in my desire to pop a hole in that airtight seal and watch karma do its thing.

But then, I remembered everything I've done, the punishments I deserved, and the sacrifice Jesus made to defend me.

I can never forget how God saved me when I didn't deserve saving and how the Holy Spirit soothed my aching soul and pulled me out of the pit.

And now I'm sealed in love forever - safe and sound.

How could I not want that for everyone - even them?

I am shifting my vengeful and nasty thoughts into something softer and kinder.

I am praying for a seal of protection around hurt people who hurt people.

I pray that the seal forms a sound barrier so that no thoughts of evil or despair can penetrate it.

I pray that the seal of protection prevents any harm from being done to themselves or others.

I want to flow with the same unconditional forgiveness and mercy given to me.

It was tough not to end that sentence with the word unless.

What can I say? I am a work in progress, that is for sure.

Thank goodness God is with us always and forever.

Psalms 91:4

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Ephesians 1:13

In Him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the good news of your salvation, and [as a result] believed in Him, were stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit [the One promised by Christ] as owned and protected [by God].

2 Corinthians 1: 21-22

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.