He is Our Shield

God — his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in him. – Psalm 18.30, CSB

So, we follow God. We say yes to his invitation to come after and follow him, no matter what. We believe that his way is perfect. Yet, we need to be careful not to define what “perfect” means. My guess is we are tempted to define perfect as free from much effort or pain, and remaining in constant comfort. And yet, if we’re honest, a constant state of ease and comfort does not develop anything of true health within us. The strain and discomfort that comes with our sanctification is for our good. The trials and difficulties that the Lord allows or prescribes for us are based on his good and perfect plans for us. The “fight” is a necessary part of walking with the Lord. I was reminded of the benefits that come with being “in the fight” when I read the following.

“A young novice in the community confessed that he battled constantly against the temptation of lust. An old master asked him, ‘Do you want me to ask the Lord to release you from your trouble,’ to which the young man replied, ‘Abba, I see that although it is a painful struggle, I am profiting from having to carry the burden.’ Then he added, ‘But ask God in your prayers, that he will give me the long-suffering, to enable me to endure.’ The Master was humbled by his apprentice’s wisdom and courage. ‘Now I know that you are far advanced, my son, and beyond me.’”

Sittser, Gerald Lawson, and Eugene H. Peterson. Water from a Deep Well : Christian Spirituality from Early Martyrs to Modern Missionaries. Downers Grove, Illinois, Ivp Books, 2007.

As the writer of Hebrews says, “No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12.11, CSB). The word for “discipline” is also translated as “training” or “instruction.” And so, while learning the lessons that God wants us to learn along the way may not always be enjoyable, those lessons always yield something in us for our good.

So, while on this journey, we will face times of trial and testing; however, God promises us that as we walk with him on his journey, he is our shield. He’s our protection. But how can this be? How can he claim to be our shield if we still face difficult things? The same reason I just explained above. God will shield us from the things that would keep us from living out the life he has called us to. He never promises protection from everything dangerous. Jesus said to his disciples, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (John 16.33, CSB). 

He will provide for us everything necessary to live lives of godliness. He will provide every strength needed for each day. He will give us everything necessary to accomplish his purposes. And I’m convinced that we, his people, are unstoppable and invincible until the day we fulfill what he has called us to do. We may have scrapes and bruises when we come to the end. We may have scars that show the way of suffering that he marked for us. And with those scars and bruises, I’m also convinced that we will have joyful and exuberant memories of a life well-lived in deep fellowship with God through Christ.

It is true that God is a shield for those who take refuge in him. That’s his promise to us. That’s who he is and what he does. And try to imagine how much he shields us from on a daily basis. And what a beautiful invitation he gives us to take refuge in him. He is our hope. He is our anchor. He is our compassionate helper and great healer. And he promises us that he will be with us always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28.20).