Scriptures About the Lord is a Shield
Throughout the Bible, scripture names many metaphors for God. Many of these relate to and tell us about his character. A large part of God’s character, as is true of any good parent, is a protector. Thus, one of the things that the Bible says is that the Lord is a shield.
A shield by definition is a defensive armor used to protect or defend a person. It can also act as a cover or barrier to hide a person or to cut them off from observation. In our lives, God can use this kind of protection to safeguard us from danger and attacks (spiritual or physical) or even discomfort, much like a shield could act as a barrier to offensive weapons. As a shield God can also provide us shelter or concealment from things that might otherwise have a negative effect on us, much like a shield can provide protection from the sun or heat or to hide one from predators.
Matthew Henry says of Psalm 3:3 that the Lord as a shield provides safety: “”Thou art a shield for me, a shield about me” (so some), “to secure me on all sides, since my enemies surrounded me.” Not only my shield (Gen. 15:1), which denotes an interest in the divine protection, but a shield for me, which denotes the present benefit and advantage of that protection.”[1]
Think about some of the areas where we might come under attack or require protection and be in need of a shield:
Our life/health (physical threats)
Our mind (emotional or mental threats)
Marriage
Our children
Other family
Relationships
Jobs
Property or personal belongings
Spiritual attacks
…to name a few
It’s comforting to know we have a shield around us protecting us on all sides
It should be comforting to us to know that the Lord is called our shield to protect us in areas and during times when we are vulnerable. He protects us because we are his own. It’s his nature. We can rest in knowing that we have someone that we can depend upon to protect, defend, and shelter us. We don’t have to do it alone. God will surround us as a shield to secure us on all sides, enclosing and encompassing us to keep us safe from diverse kinds of harm and destruction.
“And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.” Exodus 13:21 (ESV)
“Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them” Exodus 14:19 (ESV)
“Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind.” Isaiah 58:8 (NLT)
“You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.” Psalm 139:5 (NLT)
“For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.” Psalm 34:7 (NLT)
“Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, both now and forever.” Psalm 125:2 (NLT)
“The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” Psalm 121:8 (NLT)
Let these verses be a reminder and a help to us that God is our shield and we have protection available!
Scriptures About the Lord is a Shield
“After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” Genesis 15:1 (ESV)
“How blessed you are, O Israel! Who else is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is your protecting shield and your triumphant sword! Your enemies will cringe before you, and you will stomp on their backs!” Deuteronomy 33:29 (NLT)
“My God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence.” 2 Samuel 22:3 (NLT)
“As for God, His way is blameless and perfect; The word of the LORD is tested. He is a shield to all those who take refuge and trust in Him.” 2 Samuel 22:31 (AMP)
“You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your gentleness made me great.” 2 Samuel 22:36 (ESV)
“But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3 (ESV)
“Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12 (NIV)
“God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right.” Psalm 7:10 (NLT)
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” Psalm 18:2 (NLT)
“God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.” Psalm 18:30 (NLT)
“You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great.” Psalm 18:35 (ESV)
“The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalm 28:7 (NLT)
“We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.” Psalm 33:20 (NIV)
“Don’t kill them, or everyone may forget! Just use your mighty power to make them tremble and fall. You are a shield for your people.” Psalm 59:11 (CEV)
“For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.” Psalm 84:11 (NLT)
“He will cover you with His feathers; you will take refuge under His wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield.” Psalm 91:4 (HCSB)
“O Israel, trust the LORD! He is your helper and your shield.” Psalm 115:9 (NLT)
“You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.” Psalm 119:114 (NLT)
“Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle.” Psalm 140:7 (NIV)
“He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.” Psalm 144:2 (NIV)
“He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity” Proverbs 2:7 (ESV)
“Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.” Proverbs 30:5 (NLT)
“On that day the LORD will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD going before them.” Zechariah 12:8 (NIV)
Take Some Practical Steps to Use Scriptures for the Lord is a Shield:
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First, think about what needs God’s protection in your life… Your life/health, your mind, your marriage, your children, other family, relationships, jobs, property or personal belongings, protection from spiritual attacks.
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Then, pick a few of the scriptures for the Lord is a shield that fit your situation, comforts you, and reminds you that you are surrounded and protected by a powerful God.
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Write them on index cards or post-it notes. Post them where you can see them to help you and remind you.
For example put them on the bathroom mirror, the nightstand, on doors, over light switches, on cabinet doors, on your car console, or anywhere where you might need encouragement. You can also save them on your phone as a wallpaper or home screen for a visible reminder when you use your phone.
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Additionally, you can also look up even more verses relevant to your specific situation by searching for phrases like God is my refuge, my protector, my helper, my source, my rock, my fortress, my healer, on my side, or God’s power in us, etc. (See this list of characteristics of God.)
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Next, you can also print this list of verses for future reference that you can use and say aloud when you or others need to be reminded that God is your shield and will be there for you to protect and surround you in times of need.
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Finally, consider memorizing one or more of the scriptures.
Speaking God’s Word will comfort you and encourage you.
- You might also find it helpful to read these other relevant posts:
Scripture and Prayer to Smooth Out the Path Ahead
Scriptures About the Lord is on My Side
Scriptures About the Lord is My Helper
Scriptures About the Lord is My Strength
Which scriptures about the Lord being your shield are most helpful for you? Share with us by leaving a comment below!
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If you know anyone that could benefit from this, please pay it forward! Share this post via the sharing links below. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
- Henry, Matthew. “Commentary on Psalms 3 by Matthew Henry.” Blue Letter Bible, Blue Letter Bible, 1 Mar. 1996, www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Psa/Psa_003.cfm. ↑
