Our Certain Shield
We live in an uncertain world. These are uncertain times. It is only natural for us to desire to be shielded from the harm and hunger that threaten to befall us sooner or later. But where can we go to find a shield in which we can rest securely?
There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. (Psa 33:16-20 KJV)
There is our answer! But it’s an answer that is not shared by many. Most place their hope in the things they own. Others place great faith in past accomplishments, social status, or political power. Some trust in their physical strength or fortifications.
All of these might serve to give one a feeling of security. But it is a false sense of security because all of them are subject to failure. Just look around you: such defenses do fail for people everyday!
But there is no need for us who know YHWH/God and His Word to make the same mistake. Why would we follow after such false hopes. Our hope is to be under YHWH’s watchful gaze. Now that’s a safe place to be!
How do we “catch” His eye? Psalm 33 tells us… “the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in His mercy…”
Fear here means reverent respect, not “terror.” To those whom we reverently respect we pay love, honor, deference, and loyalty. The terror belongs to those who don’t “fear,” or reverently respect, YHWH. For us, reverence and respect for YHWH is our shield from terror!
And to “hope in His mercy” means to place our trust in His willingness and ability to act in order to save us from trouble. He has given many great and precious promises of protection and provision to His people!
But we must read our Bibles to know what those promises are, and we must do what our Bibles say in order to walk with Him and better understand how His promises apply. Today is the day to do that. Now, before trouble hits. Then, when danger and lack do arise, we can confidently wait for YHWH’s provision and protection!
Don’t have an army to back you up? Not a whole lot of muscle in your corner? No worries, if YHWH is your help and shield!
Today, let us join in the ranks of the psalmist and say “our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.”
Abba, Father, we thank you for your many mercies and great grace in our lives. We trust in your promises to protect us and to provide for us each day. We love You, and we ask that you would help us to walk ever closer with You by Your Spririt and in the name of Yeshua/Jesus our Messiah. Amen.
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