When Protection Becomes Control

A Reflection on Proverbs 21:1 and the Times We’re Living In

What if the very thing that feels like protection today becomes the instrument of oppression tomorrow?

That question has been stirring in my spirit—and it’s not just theoretical. It’s historical. It’s spiritual. And I believe it’s timely.

“It is as easy for God to steer a king’s heart for His purpose as it is for Him to direct the course of a stream.” — Proverbs 21:1 TPT

There’s something deeply comforting—and humbling—about this verse. It reminds me that no matter how powerful a leader may seem, God is still the One writing the greater story.

His hand isn’t hindered by political systems, public opinion, or even human pride. He can direct the hearts of kings. And He does.

But at What Cost?

Lately, I’ve been paying close attention to what’s unfolding in our nation. There’s a real and valid cry for peace, order, and justice. People want to feel safe again—safe in their cities, in their communities, in their children’s futures.

In many ways, strong leadership has brought a sense of stability in response to that cry.

But I can’t help but ask… at what cost? And how far will this go?

There’s a fine line between restoring order and establishing control. What feels like safety today could very well become the seed of suppression tomorrow, depending on who wields the authority—and how they define truth.

The Warning from Across the Ocean

I often look at the UK and Europe and feel what I can only describe as a holy caution.

After World War II, they opened their borders to rebuild. They needed the labor. But over time, values shifted. Culture shifted. And slowly, the meaning of “freedom” began to change.

Today, in places that once championed liberty, even speaking out against certain government policies can be labeled as hate speech. People are being arrested—not for violence, but for words. And all of it is being enforced legally, quietly, with little resistance. Why? Because it all began with “good intentions.”

This is not an attack on another nation—it’s a pattern. A warning. One we would be wise to discern.

This Is Not About Politics. It’s About Preparation.

I’m not writing this to be political. I’m writing because I feel the Holy Spirit nudging me—

pressing me—to pay attention. Not just to headlines and headlines… but to undercurrents. To patterns. To precedent.

God is steering history. Nothing is out of His reach. But His people must stay spiritually awake. Discerning. Prayerful. Ready to ask the harder questions.

What is He showing us?

What is really being built?

Are we prepared for what’s coming?

A Time to Watch and Pray

I believe we’re living in a time of great alignment and great revealing. God is preparing the earth for the return of His Son. He’s moving hearts. He’s raising up leaders. He’s even allowing tensions that shake what needs to be shaken.

But that doesn’t mean we can coast.

It’s not time to cling to comfort.

It’s time to cling to Christ.

To be led by the Spirit.

To walk in truth and courage.

And to live from a place of holy discernment.

He’s still steering the stream. But we are the ones who must decide whether we’re watching.