Article December 12, 1931 Issue

[Written Especially for Young People]

Our Priceless Bodyguard

Jean Elsie Sanders

The story was finished and the book closed. Three little children who had been listening scampered away to their games; but the girl who had read leaned back thoughtfully in her chair. It had been a splendid tale of a little prince whose life was saved by the bravery of a man in his bodyguard. The book slipped unheeded to the floor. "Bodyguard," mused the girl. What a sheltering word! Then slowly her lips parted in wonder at the revelation the word brought. Why, look! she marveled; we are all princes with a bodyguard! Are we not the sons of God and princes in the kingdom of heaven? God Himself furnishes our bodyguard, and a much better bodyguard too than that of the little prince! From the royal treasury were taken enough gold coins to pay his attendants for their watchful care and protection. Had there been no coins, the prince might have had to attendants. How different is the dear Father who protects us every minute of the day and night, always giving that we may lack no good thing, and asking in return only our love and loyalty to Him and to each other!

The thought was like a flood of silver moonlight poured into a dim room, drenching it with beauty. Eagerly the girl followed the little thread of understanding, as a cave explorer will feel his way to daylight by means of a slender cord. Since God is our protection, we are never alone, never left defenseless for a single moment. His loving ever-presence is not for any one person, or for any particular group of persons who especially seek His presence. God is ever with all of His children. And even though many of them have their gaze so fixed on materiality that they cannot mentally see His blessed nearness, that nearness is no less true.

The girl's eyes wandered to the warm outdoors, where a fresh shower had left the earth glistening. A flash of song trilled through the sunlight. Why, here was another glimpse of the ever-presence of our divine guardian! Could God give a little bird strength to soar high in the air, then suddenly let it fall dashing to the earth? No more than the sun could come tumbling upon the worlds that revolve around it. Would God lead His little children along the beautiful path of spiritual understanding, and show them the rich blessings in store for those who love Him, then leave them to find the way alone? No more than, to natural science, a waterfall rushing magnificently over a crag would ever stop in midair in its course to the pool beneath.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Poem
There Is No Night
December 12, 1931
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit