“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3
“The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:
‘Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield,
your very great reward.'” Genesis 15:1
“My shield is with God,
who saves the upright in heart.” Psalm 7:10
“The Lord is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalm 27:7
“Our soul waits for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.” Psalm 33:20
“You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.” Psalm 119:14
Shield: A broad piece of armor made of rigid material and strapped to the arm or carried in the hand for protection against hurled or thrusted weapons; A person or thing that provides protection.
The psalmist describing the Lord as his shield presupposes God’s promise to his forefather Abraham centuries before. He understood the practical and eternal protection of God on His people. He believed that the Lord had indeed guarded His word to him and the Israelite nation, and provided His shield of fire and cloud as they wandered through the wilderness and in battle as they conquered the promised land. This same God was his daily shield of heart, soul, and body in every onslaught he faced, tangible and intangible.
We can sing with this same confidence. The Lord is also our shield for spirit and life. Daily we face enemies we may not even be aware of or recognize, yet the Lord stands sentry over our souls, guaranteeing our sure salvation. He is ready to withstand every fiery dart, guarding against despair, fatigue of zeal, doubt, and fear. Praising Him as such reminds us and fortifies daily resolve to stand firm in Him. (Ephesians 1:13-14; 6:10-17)
“O worship the King all-glorious above,
O gratefully sing his power and his love:
our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.” ~Robert Grant (1833)
What form and force of foe are we facing today, seen or unseen? Do we have to interact with antagonizing, irritating, or unpredictable individuals? Are we dealing with uncertainties, disruptions, or dread over things we cannot control? Do we believe God’s pledge to encircle and protect us, and therefore remain, with eyes lifted, at peace? How will we take up His shield against specific threatening thoughts, temptations, and circumstances?
“We rest on thee, our Shield and our Defender!
We go not forth alone against the foe;
strong in thy strength, safe in thy keeping tender,
we rest on thee, and in thy name we go.
We go in faith, our own great weakness feeling,
and needing more each day thy grace to know:
yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing,
‘We rest on thee, and in thy name we go.’
We rest on thee, our Shield and our Defender!
Thine is the battle, thine shall be the praise;
when passing through the gates of pearly splendor,
victors, we rest with thee, through endless days.” ~Edith Cherry (1895)
No matter what barrage are we facing, our Shield is sufficient and strong.
Lord, keep me hidden unafraid and rejoicing in all You ordain to transpire, and bold to go forth within the shield that is Your might and glory.
As the rain and snow 