Shield

The kids play dress up in their costumes and fly around the house in their capes and the boys generally have their swords drawn and ready to engage in battle. But as I have watched them play and engage their great imaginations, I started thinking about the shields. I can't remember a time when they carried their shields to their imaginary battles, and I wondered if they even have shields. For the shield is a noted part of any true armor. For it is quite one thing to fight a battle aggressively with sword in hand but quite another to not be able to shield from attacks. The shield provides protection. It is a tool that is mandatory in battle and is used to act as a guard of protection to block the heart and body from whatever war bent tool of destruction that has been aimed and fired, with intent to destroy or bring about harmful effects. When in battle, be it an imaginary battle of little warriors or a justified life battle for truth and freedom, the shield is a most important tool of armor.

I have researched the word shield in the bible and it is used 95 times in various forms: shield, shields, shielding, shielded. And as I read the various verses and the context that they were presented, so many times it was to take up your shield, or that God would shield you. And it was so empowering to once again be reminded that when we are shielded by God, the enemy can say what he wants to say, do what he wants to do and act in most inappropriate ways, but God's shield is all around us and there is no entrance when we are standing on his truth and in his name, and under his umbrella of protection.

The war may rage, but those who have a true faith and have established a personal relationship with Christ, will know that God is with you to fight the battles that he has allowed for you to be embattled with. And even though you are in the front line danger zone, God will shield you from disaster from the evil one. The battle will certainly leave battle marks and possible scars, oh but God will prevail and ultimately his good will be seen when the fires have been extinguished, if only we stand in confidence that God's will will be done for his glory.

The word shield must be so important to God that he uses it and its posture in Genesis, the first book of the bible.I don't know why Abram was afraid, but one commentary suggests that he had just defeated two great kings and maybe he thought they would seek revenge.
Ever been scared that someone would seek revenge on you?


The bible verses below, regarding shields, are taken from the NIV translation and the comments shared are paraphrased from my Life Application Bible.

Genesis 15:1
[ The LORD's Covenant With Abram ] After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. "

These words gave two reason for Abram to have great courage; 1) God was with him, 2) there would be great reward. This is such a reminder that when we fear what lies ahead, remember that God will stay with you through difficult times and that he has promised you great blessings.

Psalm 3:3
But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

When facing problems, trails, suffering, and death , we may feel like giving up in despair. David ran from his beloved son who threatened to kill him, knowing there was no hope except in God. When we feel seriously let down by life, we should remember that we still have one hope. God is all we need because he promises to be a shield to protect us. When you focus your thoughts on God he restores your confidence in Him and in the future he has planned for you.

Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 33:20
We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

Ephesians 6:16
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Psalm 5:11-12But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Earlier I spoke about my little friends interacting in their imaginary battles, dresses in capes and armed with sword. Each of us fight battles daily and if we are to be victorious in our battles we must put the whole armor of God on.

Ephesians: 13-17
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then,
with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,
with the breastplate of righteousness in place
with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Take the helmet of salvation
sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Dear Lord, Help me dress in your full armor for the battles that will be before me on this day. Amen


Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!