God Is Our Shield And Our Protection

God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right. Psalm 7:10

Roman soldiers considered their shields an essential piece of armor in the days of old. It assisted in protecting them as their first line of personal defense.

They held it with one hand and faced it toward objects flying at them, such as arrows and spears. They also used it to stop a slashing sword when engaged in hand-to-hand combat.

The Psalmist didn’t say that God holds a shield in front of us for our protection. He said that God is our shield. Think for a moment why we should consider that fact important.

A shield has its limitations. Its functionality works fine, protecting the front of a soldier but not behind him. Plus, if more than one of the opposing cohorts approaches him, his shield may fail.

Also, when a soldier engaged in battle holds his shield in front of him, what does he see? He sees the backside of the shield because it hinders his view when using it for protection.

When our enemy comes at us, God, our shield, stands between us and him. We don’t see the back side of a shield, instead, we can keep our eyes on God.

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 (NIV)

We don’t need to worry about if several of the enemy’s cohorts charge toward us. They can’t penetrate our shield even if they throw multiple fiery darts our way.

Picture This

Picture in your mind with me, two opposing sides lined up, ready for battle. In military form, every soldier on each side holds a spear in one hand and shield in the other. They wait patiently.

Then, all of a sudden, out of nowhere, hundreds of arrows fly toward the other side. When the soldiers see them coming, they automatically duck their heads and raise their shields.

When we rely on God, He is our shield, and we don’t need to duck down or flinch. David wrote in Psalm 3 that we can hold our heads high with God as our shield.

But you, O God, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. Psalm 3:3

The book of Psalms mentions the word “shield” twenty times. Fourteen of those references speak directly of God as our shield. Let’s take a quick look at some of those Psalms.

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. Psalm 28:7
He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. Psalm 18:2
We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20
For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. Psalm 84:11
All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord! He is your helper and your shield. Psalm 115:11

The Shield of God Comes in a Bundle

Did you notice that when we rely on God, we get a bundle with the shield? In those verses, the benefits add up to God as our strength, light, help, and place of safety!

The New Testament only uses the word shield once. But with that one time, it comes with extraordinary power behind it. In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul suggested our wardrobe.

He said that Christians should dress as warriors. Not with our physical clothing; people would get a chuckle out of that. But if we don’t wear our spiritual armor, the devil does the laughing.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Ephesians 6:13

Each piece of God’s armor fulfills a specific purpose. The belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes for the peace of the Good News, and helmet of salvation. Also, the shield.

In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Ephesians 6:16

Those pieces of armor serve primarily for defensive purposes. On one hand, God wants us to stand behind our shield of faith. But on the other hand, we must hold fast to the sword.

. . . and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17

So, on the one hand, faith in Christ can stop the devil, move mountains, heal bodies, and speak miracles. Then, it will ultimately usher us through the pearly gates of heaven.

The Word of God and the Shield of Faith

On the other hand, we wield the sword of the Spirit, God’s Word. God filled His Word with inspiration, instructions, and discipline.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Are you ready to have to have a great day today? A credit card company uses the slogan, “What’s in your wallet?” Let me ask you, “What’s in your hand?”

You have the shield of God in one hand. Remember, God is that shield. And in the other, you have the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Jesus promised blessings to those who keep it.

Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” Luke 11:28

Oh Lord God, we hide behind you, our shield and refuge. As we hold up the shield of faith, protect us from the evil one. May your Holy Spirit guide us through your Word.