Our Shield

Psalm 3:3 “But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.”

Protection is something that many seek after but never feel completely secure. In a world that concerns itself with personal satisfaction, there is no shortage of those who would take advantage of others for personal gain.

During the days of the Covid outbreak, people wore masks, isolated themselves, and came up with all kinds of ways to protect themselves. Fear was rampant and the concern for life was ever present. Today, the remnants of fear persist but has been replaced by hatred for others, particularly jews. Antisemitism continues to grow worldwide and world leaders are following the same pathway.

The Lord told his people that He would protect them, as long as they followed His leading and wisdom. It is when they chose to seek after false gods and corrupt their ways that they eventually were overtaken by foreign nations.

Israel today is just as relevant as they were thousands of years ago, the nation of Israel serves as God’s timepiece for end time events. But even as God’s promises were given to Israel, the principles of protection continue to apply to those who are called by His name today.

Psalm 5:12 “For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.”

The righteous are those who have been redeemed by the Lamb of God and walk in obedience. For those who have understanding of God’s Moral law, they know the experience of God’s holiness is revealed by practicing faithfulness towards God’s holy law. The Lord leads in righteousness and wherever He leads, He is also a shield to those who follow.

The Shield of Salvation

The protection God gives is manifold. It begins by sealing His people with the Spirit of God in salvation. To be saved from the wrath of God is to be redeemed from the slavery of sin. Sin is defined by offending God’s law (1 John 3:4), and it has entrapped every person who has the fallen since Adam.

2 Samuel 22:36 “You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your gentleness made me great.”

The Lord does not force salvation upon people, but He does offer it to everyone. The love of God was expressed by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. The redemption of God’s people places them in His fold. Like a shepherd over his sheep, the people of God are guided and protected as they go.

Psalm 18:30 “As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.”

When a person understands the measure of God’s love, they recognize the voice of the One who leads. As sheep respond to the shepherd, God’s people hear His voice and follow in faith.

No matter how trying this life becomes, no matter how uncertain world events unfold, the Shepherd continues to lead and protect.

Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”

God’s Faithfulness

The Lord does not change. His Word endures forever. His nature is consistent and His divine love greater than we could ever know. Because the Lord is faithful to His Word, it becomes a shield for all uncertainty and fear the world attempts to incite.

Psalm 91:4 “He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.”

A shield as demonstrated by ancient armies could be large and protective against arrows, while a smaller shield (buckler) was used during hand to hand combat with swords.

God’s people are not meant to hide but rather to storm the gates of Hell. They are called to engage the enemy and the sword of the Spirit is one such tool used to strike down false teaching, corrupt ideology, and deceptive religions. The spirit of the antichrist is active and has been so for thousands of years, if believers don’t have a firm grasp of God’s Word, they might be deceived as well.

Psalm 140:7 “O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.”

When going into battle, it is important to remember where strength resides. The Lord is the strength of His people, both in salvation and in battle. The Lord has given them victory over satan, and He will give them victory of those satan continues to hold under the control of deception and abuse.

The Kingdom of God is a formidable force, the light shines into the darkness and the darkness must flee. Believers must recognize it is not by their strength but by the power of God in their lives.

God’s Shield of Power

Faith in God must not wane. If we take our eyes off of the Lord for even a moment, we become vulnerable and weak. The Lord is a consistent strength and the Word of God is a reminder of the magnitude of His power.

1 Peter 1:5 “who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Humility is mark of the redeemed. Spiritual pride can arise when victory is consistently enjoyed from the battle. The reminder of God’s sustaining power is given when believers stumble or fall. They can yet rejoice, for He keeps His people and revives them when they grow weak.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.”

Wherever the Lord leads you, go with confidence and the surety of God’s power. He will sustain you. He will lead you as you go. He will direct your path and give you the words you must say. When a believer fails is when they lose trust in God’s provision.

If you have found yourself frustrated from a lack of faith, or if you were ready to honor the Lord and grew fearful at the last moment, remember why you were called and get back up.

Psalm 32:10 “Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him.”

The Lord is merciful, He is patient with His people and gives other opportunities as you trust in Him.

Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

The Army of the Lord

Remember, you are not meant to do it alone. The Kingdom of God is composed of the armies of the righteous. Strengthening one another and protecting one another as they go.

Find those whose faith has been prepared for the day of battle. They may think they are alone but they are not. The Lord prepares His people for all that is to come and raises up a remnant who will fight victoriously. Gideon knew the faithfulness of God against the Amalekites, with only 300 men the Lord used his courage and faith to defeat a great army.

The Lord can used anyone who has the faith to believe.

Will you trust Him for where He is leading?

Remember, as you go, He will never leave you or forsake you.