God is protective.

In Psalm 91:3-4, the psalmist declares God's promise of hope: “For he will deliver you.” He compares the danger that God’s people sometimes face with the “snare of the fowler” — a trap used by hunters to catch birds. While God is strong like a fortress (v.2), He is also protective, sacrificial, and gentle like a mother bird who gathers her young underneath her wings for protection, sheltering them from the scorching heat, heavy rain, and the harsh cold. 

God is our shield against any threat. He demonstrated his sacrificial love for us when Jesus died on the cross. He acted as our ultimate shield and rescued us from the greatest threat—sin and death. 1 Corinthians 15:3 tells us, “Christ died for our sins.” Jesus absorbed the punishment of what we deserve for our sins. 

In a time of trouble, we can be confident that God is not punishing us. Jesus already took the punishment that we deserve on the cross for all those who trust in him. God is our heavenly father who wants to care for us and protect us. When we face hardship we must remember that God is not distant from our pain. He stepped out of perfection and endured the greatest pain and relates to our struggles (Hebrews 4:15). He suffered with us and for us. God does not want to punish us, he wants to protect us (John 3:16). 

We always have hope and look to our bright future. Jesus overcame the grave and will one day return to remove all sin, evil, and injustice in the world. Times of trouble reminds us that Jesus has already achieved our salvation and will one day heal every heartache (Revelation 21:4). We should look for ways to help others in times of trouble not because we are the rescuers but because we are the rescued. Ask God to help you see how to show His care to others around you.