A Plea For God’s Protection

Jacob prayed, “O God of my grandfather Abraham, and God of my father, Isaac—O LORD, you told me, ‘Return to your own land and to your relatives.’ And you promised me, ‘I will treat you kindly.’ I am not worthy of all the unfailing love and faithfulness you have shown to me, your servant. When I left home and crossed the Jordan River, I owned nothing except a walking stick. Now my household fills two large camps! O LORD, please rescue me from the hand of my brother, Esau. I am afraid that he is coming to attack me, along with my wives and children. But you promised me, ‘I will surely treat you kindly, and I will multiply your descendants until they become as numerous as the sands along the seashore—too many to count.’ ”

Genesis 32:9-12

Jacob had reason to be afraid of his brother, Esau, whom he had tricked out of his birthright and the blessing of their father, Isaac. Consequently, Jacob had to leave home because Esau was going to kill him. Years later, when Jacob headed home, he heard that Esau was coming to greet him. What worried Jacob was that an army of four hundred men was accompanying Esau! Convinced his brother was coming to kill him, Jacob prayed earnestly for God to protect him. His prayers were answered when Esau, instead of being angry, greeted him with hugs and tears.

We may not fear for our lives, but there are times when we fear for our livelihood or for the welfare of our families. At such times, we can turn to God and ask him to watch over us.

• Dear God, please watch over my family . . .