Our Shield

Scripture:  Psalms 3:3 - But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

The Webster Dictionary states that a (physical) shield is a broad piece of armor, varying widely in form and size, carried apart from the body, usually on the left arm as a defense against swords, lances, arrows, etc.  The Vines Expository Dictionary states that a shield of faith (thureos in Greek)  is a shield large enough to provide full protection from an attack, covering the believer from head to toe during hand-to-hand spiritual warfare.  Ultimately the Lord is described as our shield.  No matter what rises up against us, He covers, protects, shelters us and leads us into victory! No matter what we are struggling with or whatever obstacles we are facing, He is our shield!

The shield of faith is the fourth piece of armor in Ephesians 6.  Ephesians 6:16 says “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.)  To have faith is to believe God created the world and sent His only Son to die for our sins so that we could have salvation/eternal life.  Our faith has to be in the finished work of Christ.  We can’t have confidence in ourselves for salvation or any other person. Acts 4:12 says – “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved”.  We have to rest and believe and have faith completely on Jesus Christ or else the shield will be of no use. Our faith must be according to truth --  God’s Word  and God’s promises.

What are you facing now that is mind boggling, frustrating, discouraging, causing you to have anxiety/grief, doubt or that you are worried about?  As we are waiting on the Lord in times of despair, we can rest in God’s unchanging hand and comforting Word.  He shields our minds as we trust, depend, rely on Him for salvation, and His Word and promises.
Remember, Psalms 33:20 says – “Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield”.  Psalms 115:9 reminds us that “O Israel, trust thou in the Lord: he is their help and their shield”. For those who trust and take refuge in Him, He is a shield (Proverbs 30:5), and He will life up our head!  Psalms 33:3 – “But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.”

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank You for being my shield, my protector, my help, my shelter!  Without you, I couldn’t make it.  Thank You for being the lifter of my head!  I will rest in You, Your Word, and Your promises.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

(by Marsha Williams)