Shields
On Saturday, one of my little friends was sporting a cardboard shield on his arm. He liked it a lot and wore it all day. That shield probably took very little time to make, but it provided him hours of pleasure.
It reminded me how much little boys love to play "army", whether it is from Bible times or GI Joe. They like all the variations as well--Batman, Iron Man, Power Rangers. And though there is a Pink Power Ranger, most girls prefer Disney princesses and fairies (based on my totally scientific study of sticker selection.)
On the news we often see modern day, real life shields. Bullet-proof vests, riot gear, anti-aircraft missiles--they are all meant to protect those in harm's way from attack.
But for most of us, the idea of a shield is much more of a metaphor than a reality.
And what a beautiful metaphor it is.
After all, God himself is my shield. He is the ultimate protection. His power surrounds us so that we are safe on all sides.
Because make no mistake, Satan has not ceased his battle against God's people in every corner of this old world. There are wars and rumors of wars. There is oppression and hatred. There is fear and anger and resentment. There is sorrow and pain and suffering.
Yet we do not live in fear. For we are surrounded by the power of God. He himself is our shield.
And we can surely trust in that.
"But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head." Psalm 3:3
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." Psalm 84:11
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Psalm 91:4
It reminded me how much little boys love to play "army", whether it is from Bible times or GI Joe. They like all the variations as well--Batman, Iron Man, Power Rangers. And though there is a Pink Power Ranger, most girls prefer Disney princesses and fairies (based on my totally scientific study of sticker selection.)
On the news we often see modern day, real life shields. Bullet-proof vests, riot gear, anti-aircraft missiles--they are all meant to protect those in harm's way from attack.
But for most of us, the idea of a shield is much more of a metaphor than a reality.
And what a beautiful metaphor it is.
After all, God himself is my shield. He is the ultimate protection. His power surrounds us so that we are safe on all sides.
Because make no mistake, Satan has not ceased his battle against God's people in every corner of this old world. There are wars and rumors of wars. There is oppression and hatred. There is fear and anger and resentment. There is sorrow and pain and suffering.
Yet we do not live in fear. For we are surrounded by the power of God. He himself is our shield.
And we can surely trust in that.
"But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head." Psalm 3:3
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." Psalm 84:11
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Psalm 91:4
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