Hey! I’m in Ohio! Had to see that precious grandson again and see how good Mom is doing after her knee surgery. So, I’ve reposted an older blog post for encouragement. I pray that you have a blessed week!

My Shield

My husband and I watch the television program Blue Bloods. In a recent episode, one of the detectives mentioned that in New York City they don’t call their police badge a badge. They call it a shield because they protect the citizens of the city.

While it gives me comfort to know that there are those in this world who are willing to protect me, I know that my greatest shield is God and that it is only through Him that I have true protection.

And while I may find physical protection from these men and women in blue, my God is the only one who can protect my mind, my emotions, and my heart.

Let’s look at a few passages of Scripture to see how God can be our shield and how we are to use our shield.

Abraham was promised that God would be his shield in Genesis 15:1 (NIV). “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” What a promise! How wonderful that we can cling to that same promise because we find this idea throughout Scripture.

Moses told the Israelites of God’s shield in Deuteronomy 33:12 and 29 (NIV). “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders…Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword.” God loves us, therefore, we know He is our shield of protection.

David sang songs of praise to God on multiple occasions and there are a few that show us how God is our shield. Let’s look at them.

In 2 Samuel 22:3 (NIV), David said, “My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.”

And in verse 31 of that same chapter he said, “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.” (2 Samuel 22:31 – NIV)

Then we can turn to the Book of Psalm and see David’s use of this word. Psalm 3:3 (NIV) begins this journey. “But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.”

Look at some of the other references in Psalm. Psalm 7:10; Psalm 18:30; Psalm 28:7; Psalm 33:20; Psalm 91:4; and Psalm 119:114.

We see this concept in the New Testament as well. Peter speaks of God’s power as being our shield in 1 Peter 1:5. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is read to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3-5 – NIV)

So, what are we to do with this shield?

Prepare the shields

In Isaiah 21:5 (NIV), the officers were told to prepare their shields for battle. “Get up, you officers, oil the shields!”

And in Jeremiah 46:3 (NIV), we see another call to arms. “Prepare your shields, both large and small, and march out for battle!”

Just as those heading into Old Testament battles prepared their shields, we too must prepare our shields. Through faith, Bible study, prayer, and meditation. Read this quote from one of my favorite books. “A Bible at home does us no good unless we carry God’s teachings in our hearts and apply them when we are hit with a fiery dart.”[i]

Take up the shields

After preparation, we must take up our shield. We are under God’s protection, but we must do something. We must take up the shield prepared and provided for us.

Paul speaks of the shield of faith in Ephesians 6:16 (NIV). “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

This shield of faith will do us no good unless we pick it up and use it. However, when we use it in combination with God’s protective shield, the evil one is powerless against us!

By far, on the very tippy top of my favorite songs is Hillsong’s “Made Me Glad.” The words remind me of the protection I receive through God. So, I’ll share it with you (yet again). Sing it today. Live it today. Believe it today.

“Made Me Glad”

I will bless the Lord forever
I will trust Him at all times
He has delivered me from all fear
He has set my feet upon a rock
I will not be moved
And I’ll say of the Lord

You are my Shield, my Strength
My Portion Deliverer
My Shelter, Strong tower
My very present help in time of need

Whom have I in heaven but You
There’s none I desire beside You
You have made me glad
And I’ll say of the Lord

You are my Shield, my Strength
My Portion Deliverer
My Shelter, Strong tower
My very present help in time of need[ii]

Click here to listen to Hillsong sing this glorious song…over and over again if you like.

If you’d like to leave me a comment, please click here. I’d love to hear from you!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i] Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion, Debbie Williams, Howard Books, 2006, pg. 193.

[ii] Made Me Glad, Darlene Zschech, Hillsong, 2002