The Guardian

Imagine you are a car thief in Washington D.C. You have targeted a particular car to steal. It’s parked in a dark place on the street. You have checked all around to make sure there is no one around to witness your crime. You have cased the area and know the owner will not be back for the car for a long while.

You break into the car, and are about to go to work on the ignition to hotwire it. However, you notice something move out of the corner of your eye. You stand up to investigate. You are now sense that something is wrong.

DCs Guardian

Suddenly, a figure begins coming into sight. You’re not sure exactly what it is, but it is not a common pedestrian. The figure is coming right at you! Only then, do you begin to see the details of a man, but it is no ordinary man.

This man is dressed in blue pants, with bright red boots. He is wearing a red leather jacket that has a blue front emblazoned with white stars. Red gloves cover his hands, and a blue mask with darkened eyes covers his face. He is also wearing some kind of utility belt, with who knows what, in it. You choose to not stick around to find out more about this crazy man in a superhero outfit. You decide the car isn’t worth the trouble and run!

Is this a page from a comic book or superhero movie? No. This is real life. The mysterious man is known in the Washington D.C. area as the DC Guardian. Underneath the jacket he wears a bullet-proof vest, and he “patrols” the streets of DC at night to ward off crime.

In a recent interview with National Public Radio, The DC Guardian said that most of the time, he never has to fight. He remarked that most criminals simply sun when they see him. He also stated that he wears the costume, which he calls a uniform, to call attention to what he is doing. Not for notoriety, but to call attention to the criminals.

He told of one incident where he saw a drug deal happening in broad daylight. He said there were lots of people around, but they were ignoring it. However, when he began to approach the men who had the drugs, the people on the street began to stare to see what he was doing. Then the people became aware of the drug deal, and the dealers ran. To quote the DC Guardian, “Evil doesn’t like light.”

Phoenix Jones

He is not the only one. There are a number of communities who have their own real-life superheroes. Another example is a man who wears a rubber suit and mask in Seattle. He is known as Phoenix Jones. All of these people keep their true identities a secret, but you can be sure the criminals know who they are and stay away.

We have such a “superhero” in God. He has delivered us from the ultimate enemy. He has defeated sin, death, hell, and Satan. He is our rescuer. David wrote many Psalms in praise of that fact, but Psalm 18 is one of the best.

This week I encourage you to think about all of the things that seem to close in on you. Maybe you are unsure of your job, or are unemployed. It could be that your marriage is failing. Perhaps you or family members or friends are gravely ill. Maybe your children are living a rebellious life. Whatever the issues are in your life, God is there. He may not make it all go away, like the DC Guardian or Phoenix Jones, but unlike them, He is always there. You can trust Him with your problems, frustrations, celebrations, joys, and your whole life. He is your true guardian and He loves you very much.

As you think about those things that plague you, commit to reading Psalm 18 this week. Pray before reading it that God will open your eyes, heart and spirit to hear His words and help you to apply it to your life. Read it each day, and know that if David, who saw much adversity in his life, can say these words, they can be real for you also.

The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted. It is God who avenges me, and subdues the peoples under me; He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man. Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the Gentiles, and sing praises to Your name. (Psalm 18:46-49)