Thankful Thursday: God is the Best Cop

We have had some suspicious activity in our neighborhood which has resulted in response by the police two mornings in a row.  So thankful for my sweet "M" who never fails to put things into perspective and fix my eyes above.  As the cops pulled up she asked me, "Mommy, why do we need cops?  God is the best cop!"  This led to quite a conversation and a digging through scriptures.  I love when our children challenge me!

 

Throughout history God has appointed rulers, priests, soldiers, and judges to enforce laws and administer justice, and we are told to submit to these authorities.

 

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.  For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.  Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience."

~Romans 13:1-5

 

Yes, God has given us these custodians of safety to help protect us here on earth.  I am thankful for God's servants! 

 

But, should our only hope in times of trouble be in police officers?  Should they be the first ones that we call?  Or should we first call on God, our ever present help in times of trouble?

 

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

~Psalm 18:2

 

I am thankful that God is mindful of me.  I am thankful that God is my protector and shield.  I am thankful that this is not our home and for the eternal hope I have in Christ!

 

I am thankful for reminders to pray for our home, neighborhood, community, and this nation.  

 

"For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.  Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body" (Philippians 3:18-21),