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!