Beauty often develops alongside protection. The rose protects its bloom. The bougainvillea guards its brilliant color. The cactus shelters precious water beneath its spines.

While looking at the bougainvillea lining my back patio, I decided it was time for a trim. Along with their drought-resistant, vibrant blossoms come long, unforgiving thorns. I pulled on my gloves, hat, and long-sleeved shirt and under the Phoenix sun, snipped away at a brisk pace.

Job accomplished. I went inside to cool down.

The gloves shielded my hands from the bougainvillea’s thorns. My long sleeves protected my arms, and my hat shaded my face. As I thought about the protection they provided, I was reminded of my daily prayer:

…deliver us from evil.”  —Matthew 6:13

This common prayer asks for protection. I cannot resist evil in my own strength. Like gardening in a thornbush with gloves, I need the protection God alone provides. Every day, He clothes me with grace and strength for dangers I cannot see.

A little later, I slipped off my shoes to clean them up and I noticed something protruding from the sole. A thick bougainvillea stem had lodged itself against the edge of my shoe. I had to tug with force to extract this stalk. Attached to the stem was a formidable thorn. It had positioned itself at precisely the right angle—not to pierce my foot, but my shoe. Close call. 

Pray the Lord’s Prayer this week with fresh conviction.

Lord, you who wore the crown of thorns, know how to protect His people from thorns they never see… “Our Father, Who Art in Heaven…”