Protected

This God-his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.  – Psalm 18:30 

King David and others who wrote the Psalms and biblical accounts often refer to the Lord being a shield for those who take refuge in Him. At a time when military battles were largely hand-to-hand combat, the warrior might have several shields available to him. The shield of today’s verse, in the King James Version, is a buckler, a small, often 8 to 10 inches round, leather-covered piece of wood with a strap on the back. It could offer protection against a dagger. Larger shields, big enough to cover the entire body, could protect against slung stones or spears. A well-armored tank is a modern tactical shield.  

Other things that serve as shields also. The protective padding a bicyclist wears. An RFID wallet insert can shield your credit card information. Sunscreens offer protection when working outdoors. You trust your shields to give you the type of cover you need. 

There is only one Shield that is one hundred percent effective—the Lord Himself. His ways are perfect; His Word is true; the battle is His (1 Samuel 17:47); yet, He causes you to triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14). David responded with gratitude. He recalled the times God had been the One to rescue him, to restore him, to comfort and guide him, to allow him to be victorious. But what if David had not intentionally put himself under God’s complete authority? David met the tests of life by trusting in Almighty God. Do you? 

Adopt the lyrics of an old hymn to carry you throughout today: “O worship the King, all glorious above, and gratefully sing His power and His love; our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days, pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.” Then, pray for America’s military leaders, to know and to treasure God’s faithfulness as Defender.