A Breath of Fresh Air

“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” – Proverbs 30:5

A few years ago, forest fires caused our valley in Southern Oregon to be blanketed with smoke nearly every day for over a month! Not only was it unpleasant to view, it was irritating to the throat and dangerous for people with breathing difficulties as well. There was also a threat to the firefighters who were trying to extinguish the blaze.

Even though the evening breeze blew the smoke another direction, by early the next morning it was settled back again. Temperatures had been in the 90- and 100-degree range, but our windows and doors had to be kept closed at night in an attempt to prevent the smoke from entering the house. I saw people trying to keep the smoke out of their lungs by covering their faces with masks whenever they went outside. Oh, for a breath of fresh air!

Sometimes in life we may feel as though we live in a “dirty” environment. Perhaps the people with whom we work or attend school are not Christians—many times, far from it. It is like a “breath of fresh air” to be with Christian people and to be free from spiritual pollution. However, since we must attend school, earn a living, and even buy groceries, we cannot isolate ourselves. Besides, the world is our mission field! Because of this, God offers us protection from the pollutants of the world. When we give our lives to Him, He daily walks with us. We are provided with more than just a facemask—we have the protection of His Holy Spirit. Today’s focus verse says that He is “a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” Even in an environment that is filthy with sin, He can keep us spotless and pure. All we have to do is ask!

It is up to us to be sure to continue to take advantage of God’s help. Before we leave home today, we can ask for His protection against the pollution of the enemy. He is the breath of fresh air we long for!