Protect me from wicked people who attack me, from murderous enemies who surround me. They are without pity. Listen to their boasting. They track me down, surround me, throw me to the ground. They are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart -- like young lions in hiding, waiting for their chance. Psalm 17: 9-12 NLT

At first you may not think that these verses have anything to do with our modern times. But how about if you think of these verses in terms of your monetary debts. What if you considered all those people you owe money to as your enemies? If you have ever had a debt collector calling your home or a repo man knocking on your door, you will appreciate the imagery of being tracked down, surrounded and thrown to the ground.

Ever owe taxes? Do the words "they are without pity" mean more to you when you think of taxes?

If you have ever sat down to pay bills and are forced to make a choice - cable or water bill this month? - perhaps you know what it is like to be tracked by hungry lions. You are torn apart when having to decide what bill to pay or how much to pay on what bill. The bills themselves become young lions in hiding, waiting for their chance.

The good news is that God does not want us to be attacked. God is willing to save us. That does not mean God will provide for us through the winning of a lottery. Instead, God gives us free will to make choices. When we make poor choices, God gives us the opportunity to do something about it rather than just blame the people we owe money to. If you are feeling surrounded by your own bill collectors, I invite you to do more than pray for protection.

God, we want to be protected from our enemies. But we know that we must admit to the poor choices we have made in our lives. Help us to know when we need to ask for forgiveness, when we need to change our lifestyle and when we need to ask for help from others in order to make better choices. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2011 Amelia G. Sims