But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.                     

2 Thessalonians 3:3

With thoughts of floating in the pool and putting our toes in the sand, people everywhere are pulling out the pool floats and swimwear, putting on flip flops and sunglasses, and purchasing sunshades and sunscreen for the summer months ahead. 

Spring is in full swing and we just can’t help basking in the warmth of the sun. 

Bring on the Summertime!

Amidst the excitement of returning to the outdoors to enjoy more fun in the sun, I was given a reality check by a dermatologist. As it turns out, the same sun that warms the soul and provides the body with much needed vitamin D can also cause great damage – not just during the summer months but all year long, rain or shine. 

Now, much older and somewhat wiser, I am adhering to the advice of professionals and applying sunscreen every day to protect my skin- even when its cloudy. 

Spiritually, we need protection everyday too. As revealed in 2 Thessalonians, God is our protection from the evils in the world – the troubles we see and those we can’t see. Just like that sunscreen offers protection to minimize damage caused by those harmful UV rays, God sent Jesus as our sonscreen for life to minimize and manage our troubles. The directions for daily use are easy: Read the Bible. Pray. Repeat.

So, as you head out to spend these spring and summer days in the sun and you reach for the suntan lotion, remember to reach for the ultimate protection for everything life throws your way. 

Dear Lord,

You are my refuge and my shield;  I have put my hope in your word (Psalm 119:114). Thank you for providing me with the protection I need each and every day.