Your Shield Of Love

Let all who take refuge in you rejoice;

let them sing joyful praises forever.

Spread your protection over them,

that all who love your name may be filled with joy.

For you bless the godly, O LORD;

you surround them with your shield of love. Psalm 5:11-12

THOUGH DAVID WAS THE KING over God’s people, he understood that God was the true King. So each morning, David approached God in prayer. He didn’t presume that God would hear his prayer and welcome him into his royal presence, yet clearly he expected it. But when we read the entirety of Psalm 5, we might wonder why. David wrote that the Lord detests murderers and deceivers. David was a murderer and a deceiver. How could he be so confident that God would hear his prayer and welcome him?

David did not presume to enter God’s presence based on his own clean record. He didn’t have one. Rather, he said it was because of God’s unfailing love that he could enter God’s house. This generous grace made David want to live in a way that was pleasing to God.

David was able to seek refuge in God because he was confident that the Lord’s protection would be spread over him (verse 11). Of course, the Lord could spread his protection over David —and over us and our children —because there was no protection for his own Son. All the punishment we deserve was poured out on Christ so that God could pour out all the blessing Christ deserved on us.

Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,

for I pray to no one but you.

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.

Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

Lead ________ in the right path, O Lord.

Spread your protection over ________,

that ________ may be filled with joy.

Bless ________, O Lord; surround ________ with your shield of love.

ADAPTED FROM PSALM 5:2-3, 8, 11-12