Shielded

The LORD gives wisdom;From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;He guards the paths of justice,And preserves the way of His saints.

Proverbs 2:6-8 (NKJV)

The Lord does have a special relationship with those who love him and seek him, who walk in his ways and desire what he desires. God never promises that we’ll have trouble-free lives, but he does promise that we’ll never face anything that comes our way alone. Sometimes we forget that all we have to do is ask God for wisdom when life gets complicated, when we’re confused, or when we’re making a hard decision. Jesus said, “Ask and you will receive” (John 16:24, NIV).

The Twenty-third Psalm is a great psalm of comfort and hope. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1, NKJV). As you read the entire psalm, it’s more than just sweet sentiments. It’s a list, a strong list of promises that cover every need and every phase of life from being hungry to dying.

Think of the phrase “thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4, KJV). Both the rod and staff are tools to protect us, not just from predators but also from ourselves. We, like sheep, are prone to wander. A good shepherd needs to firmly strike a stubborn sheep, but for those sheep who love to stay near him, a little tap is all that’s needed.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Let’s personally grab hold of the promise in today’s proverb: “He is a shield to those who walk uprightly.” The fiery darts of fear, discouragement, criticism, and temptations are aimed at us. But God is telling us that when we choose to stay close to him, he personally shields us. No, he does not put us in a “holy bubble.” But he does stand with us and for us. We are not alone.

Let’s Pray

Lord, sometimes I do feel overwhelmed and outnumbered. Sometimes evil does seem stronger than good and right. Help me to trust that you are near, holding your shield over my heart.

One Year Bible Reading

Genesis 18:16–19:38; Matthew 6:25–7:14; Psalm 8:1-9; Proverbs 2:6-15