Week #146
Scripture:
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Proverbs 2:6-8
“You, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the Lord, and He answers me from His holy hill.” Psalm 3:3–4
Psalm 28:7 says, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
“In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.” Ephesians 6:16
Reflection:
Over 60 times, the Bible references that God is our shield. The actual Hebrew word used for shield in the Old Testament is ‘Magen,’ which is understood to be both a defensive protection and an offensive tool when a soldier is armed and ready for battle. Shields were a useful and essential part of a soldier’s equipment, being used during battle and also as shade during the heat of the day or as shelter to rest under during the cold of night.
The Bible references that God is our shield, being our protector when life is a battle, knowing that God will look out for us and be a safeguard for us.
When God is our shield, we belong to him and we can fight our battles under his protection as his own. But there is a catch. To have God as our shield requires us to remain under his shield by walking through our days with integrity. We certainly can walk out from under his protection by cutting corners or walking in our own understanding. He has promised us that if we remain under this shield, the heat of battle and the chill of the storm will not take us out. He will guard us on the paths of justice and watch over the ways of his saints.
Then, like King David, we can proclaim, “You, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head for my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
Prayer:
O Lord God my Shield. You are my protector when I am in danger or distress. Help me to lift up my eyes and heart and always place them on You. Thank you for being a shield about me, covering me with Your presence, and protecting me from the battles that come my way. Fill me with Your wisdom and courage that I might walk with integrity. Amen.
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