The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped. – Psalm 28:7
In modern media, a shield is often depicted like the star-spangled one that Captain America holds. However, Roman soldiers carried shields that were the size of a door. They could protect the full length of the body, including the most vulnerable areas such as the heart. Shields were mostly made of wood and covered in heavy animal hide with a sheet of linen cloth added to the front.
Before a battle, soldiers would dip their shields into water so that when fiery arrows hit them, the wet hide would extinguish the darts. During battle, the shield was held with the arm straight, holding a grip in the middle. The grip was across a hole cut from the middle of the shield. This hole was protected by a metal boss, a hemisphere of iron with an iron plate around it. The soldier could push this boss into his enemy to knock him off balance.
As a follower of Jesus Christ, you enter a battlefield with a very real enemy every day. And as the war wages, you must put on your spiritual armor so as not to leave yourself vulnerable on the battlefield. The shield that protects you comes from the Lord and Him alone. So regularly pray and immerse yourself in the living water of God’s Word. Trust in Him so that when the enemy shoots arrows of doubt, discouragement, lies or fear, you can push back against him. And each time your Heavenly Father gives you victory, praise Him with thanksgiving!
Remember also to pray for the president that he would stand firm against the enemy’s attacks as he leads America.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
