Creator’s Promise to Guide Us and Protect Us

"He stores up good things for the ones who stand tall and true. Grandfather is a medicine shield to those who walk with firm steps on the road of life. He watches over the path of those who bring harmony and balance and keeps his sacred followers safe from harm as they walk the road of life" (Proverbs 2:7-8, First Nations Version).

On our reservation in south central Washington State is an area we call Mool Mool. Non-Natives call it Ft. Simcoe. At first glance, this place might look like a desert. It is so dry and rocky. There could not possibly be any water there. But for those of us who know better, there are four natural springs that give life to that land. It is even found in the word Mool Mool, which describes the bubbling of the springs.

Wisdom (Good Things) is a lot like this. At first glance, the land may look dry, but if you know where to look, you find cool water bubbling from the earth. In the same way, Creator gives good things to those who bring harmony and balance in their interactions with others and the world around them.

In this translation, the proverb compares Creator to a medicine shield. Among our people, the shield was used not only for tangible protection, but it was also painted with sacred images given by Creator to remind us that we do not stand alone. To walk with firm steps (integrity) is to carry such a shield—made not of wood and hide but of Creator’s own power. Creator guards those who walk a good path.

This proverb also tells us that Creator “watches over the path of those who bring harmony and balance.” The trail of harmony and balance, ironically, is not always smooth. At times, it winds through steep valleys of conflict or over rocky hills of misunderstanding. But when we walk this trail, Creator promises to watch over us like a mother watching over her children at a playground or a momma bear keeping a close eye on her cubs.

This call for us to walk in harmony and balance is not given to the careless or the deceitful but to those whose hearts are true. When we walk in harmony and balance with all things, we find ourselves under Creator’s protection. Creator places a shield over us and guides our steps along a life-giving trail.

Be courageous today. Seek to walk in harmony and balance even when others choose a bad way. The One who made the earth and sky promises to protect you like a medicine shield and to lead you safely along the road of life. And Creator doesn’t break promises.

Prayer

Creator of earth and sky,
be our medicine shield on the trail of life.
Guide our steps when the way is dark and we cannot see.
Help us to walk in balance and harmony with all things
so that our journey honors you
and brings blessings to others.