‘But you O Lord are a Shield about me, My glory and the lifter of my head’
Psalm 3:3 (ESV)
For soldiers of various armies throughout history, the shield was an essential piece of equipment offering vital defence and protection from sword, spear, axe, arrow or whatever other weapon was thrown, wielded or shot from their opponent. It came in a variety of shapes from the rectangular concave shaped Roman infantry shield effective as part of collective tactical formations to the kite shaped shield used by Norman knights which provided extra protection for the legs and lower body compared with round shields also in use at the time.
However successful these proved to be on the battlefield in human history, they are incomparable to the shield that God proves to be around those who seek and take refuge in him. I invite you to picture the reality of God as your shield which is not kite or rectangular in shape but a surrounding 360-degree hedge of protection that completely covers you from head to toe.
“[God] You hem me in behind and before, you lay your hand upon me.”
Psalm 139:5 (NIV)
Verse 5 of psalm 139 confidently proclaims that God hems us in with protection. What does this mean? That God is acting as a shield protecting us from physical and spiritual dangers that lie ahead as well as calming and slaying our fears of the unknowns in our future, a future secure in him. He acts also as our rear-guard offering to be the shield of protection; redemption; healing; cleansing; freedom; deliverance and comfort from our past circumstances, failings and painful experiences.
Finally this verse gives testimony to the truth that God not only is behind and before us but also lays his hand upon us. In being able lay his hand upon us, he has to walk beside us and not only this but supporting our every step, providing us with security and affirmation that we are his. How delightful is this? What a gracious God we serve.
The very fabric of this divine shield that surrounds us completely on every side is Christ himself who paid a price we could never pay, taking on himself all the wrongdoing, shame and pain that we carried that had distanced us from God.
The solid foundation of His finished work of redemption at the cross built on undeserved but unfailing generous and perfect love forms the masonry and structure that makes up the very shield and stronghold within which you are invited to take refuge and remain hidden and unassailed by whatever circumstance, lie, injustice or unfounded criticism that you may be facing.
In the protective arms of beloved Father There lies the perfect shield This sure and steadfast protection faithfully stands Never does this stronghold of safety yield For both in times of sorrow and in joy Nothing will move His wrap around cover A staunch and ever-present comfort it remains Always a tender support like no other Amen
©2022, Benjamin Trowbridge.
Abba's Dearly Beloved 