How does a person obtain the protection of God?

TL;DR:

God offers spiritual protection to believers, promising eternal security, rather than physical safety on Earth. At the same time, though Christians face challenges, God works all things for their ultimate good, and their soul’s protection is His primary concern.

what does the bible say?

God promises spiritual protection to believers, focusing on the safety of their souls, rather than guaranteed physical protection. God does protect His people physically, but this is not guaranteed. Instead, the emphasis is on God’s spiritual protection. Jesus and the apostles taught that believers would face earthly tribulations, but their ultimate safety lies in eternal life with God. While God may intervene physically at times, Christians are not guaranteed a pain-free life, but we know that whatever God allows to befall us, He works all things for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28).

from the old testament

With the Mosaic Covenant, God promised the nation of Israel protection if they obeyed the His law: “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the LORD your God.” (Deuteronomy 28:1–2).
First Kings 17:2–16 describes God’s provision for His prophet Elijah—and a widow who helped him—during a drought.

from the new testament

God is primarily concerned with our eternal self—our soul. Paul uses the metaphor of “the whole armor of God” in Ephesians to explain the spiritual protections God has put in place for His children (Ephesians 6:10–17).
Though God’s will may be to rescue some from physical harm, Christians are not promised a trouble-free earthly life. Jesus told His followers, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Whether we are saved from physical danger depends on God’s will. Either way, we can be assured that God “works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 [NIV]).

implications for today

Everyone wants to feel safe. As children of God, we look to Him for safety. We may ask God for physical protection; even the act of asking honors God and reveals our trust in Him. Even so, we can’t expect Him to supernaturally bubble wrap us all the time. We aren’t promised that. In fact, our struggles often strengthen our character and our faith (Romans 5:3–5; James 1:2–4). Besides, physical harm isn’t the most dangerous threat we face; spiritual threats are more consequential (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8–9). Thankfully, our Lord has given us the means to maintain our spiritual health (Matthew 5:29–30; Ephesians 6:10–18). Because of this, we, like the apostle Paul, can be “content in any and every situation,” secure under all circumstances (Philippians 4:12 [NIV]). We know that the Lord works all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

understand

God's protection focuses on the safety of our souls, not physical safety.
Christians will face difficulties, but we can trust that God works all things for the good of those who trust Him.
Believers' ultimate safety lies in eternal life with God.

reflect

How are your prayers impacted, knowing that God’s ultimate protection focuses on your soul, rather than physical safety?
In what areas of your life do you need to trust that God is working all things for your good, even if it’s difficult?
How can you grow in your understanding of the eternal security God promises versus temporary, physical protection?

engage

What are some specific ways we can apply the spiritual protection God offers in our daily lives, in contrast with the physical protection we may desire?
How does the promise of eternal security influence the way we approach suffering or earthly struggles as Christians?
How can we support one another in trusting that God works for our good during times of tribulation or difficulty?