Shield

Ancient armies had two types of shields. A large shield was carried in one hand for full body protection. An army could huddle together and raise these shields over their heads as a defensive barrier when fiery arrows were falling from the sky. The shield carried in the other hand was smaller and used for hand-to-hand combat or personal safety when rocks were hurled from the top of city walls. For the believer, God is our shield.

The armor of God includes a shield as an essential piece of equipment. This shield is needed to “extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16). The believer’s shield is not constructed with wood like the ones that the Roman soldiers carried. Our shield is built with faith.

Training and preparation produce confidence. An army moves assuredly when they have studied the enemy, understand the terrain, and are properly suited up. Battle readiness produces victory. To be battle ready we need the right gear. We have learned that the belt of truth allows us to move freely without stumbling. The breastplate of righteousness protects our heart and keep us on the right path. Today, let’s consider additional components of our battle gear—the shoes, the shield, and the helmet.

Conflicts are hard. And they are extremely difficult when the issue is with your own children. That’s where King David found himself in today’s psalm. His son Absalom had gained a strong following and was intent on dethroning his dad. David and his household were forced to flee for their lives (2 Samuel 15-18).

In times of doubt, the shield of faith protects us with the promises of God. In times of temptation, the same shield protects us with the power of God.

David’s confidence was grounded in the fact that God answered his calls for help.

Ask God to help you read his Word every day (or keep reading his Word every day).

My Stronghold: When God is with me, I can stand my ground against the enemy. With God, I never have to retreat.

No one sails on calm waters all the way home. Our ship will get rocked! But today’s passage gives us great truths to nail down. And as we sail for home, we can say with David, “Who is God besides the Lord?”