Take Up Your Shield

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings, shalt thou trust, his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Psalm 91:4

I love the picture that is painted for us in the fourth verse of the 91st Psalm.  Our world around us is constantly changing and finding ourselves rattled by the stress, pressure and uncertainty of life can overwhelm anyone, no one is immune to bouts of fear.

The 91st Psalm has become synonymous with the protection that we have as trusting believers.  When we look at the imagery painted by the psalmist David it is not hard to envision the security he experienced while in the presence of God.  We too can experience the quiet assurance of Divine protection as we soak in His presence. 

John 8:44 tells us that Satan is a liar and the father of all lies, he seeks to rob us of the truth of God for our lives but power lies in God’s Word, it is our sword and it is absolute TRUTH.  Satan will try and undermine our faith with things like fear and terror but we are given the tools for standing against this kind of intimidation from the enemy. We have a shield and it is God’s truth.  David describes lowering his self under God’s protective wings, covered by his feathers, trusting in His truth.  The truth actually becomes the Shield by which he deflects all the lies of the enemy.  So, the next time the enemy comes around with his lies open your mouth and let God’s truth come out declaratively.  The enemy’s lies are no match for God’s truth. 

James 4:7 says this: Submit to God, resist the Devil and he will flee.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, thank you for the truth of your Word and for your divine protection. I commit to laying up an arsenal of your Truth in my heart so that I might deflect all the lies of the enemy. 

Because He Lives

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives all fear is gone.  Because I know He holds my future and life is worth the living just because He lives.

The above excerpt is from one of the most well know gospel songs written by Bill and Gloria Gaither.  The story behind the song, as told by Gloria in an interview with Lindsay Terry shared how in the late 1960’s while Gloria was expecting their third child and Bill was recovering form mononucleosis, they were going through a particularly traumatic and fearful time. 

On New Year’s Eve, she was sitting in their living room, in agony and fear. The educational system was being infiltrated with the God is dead idea, while drug abuse and racial tensions were increasing. Then suddenly, and quite unexpectedly, she was filled with a gentle, calming peace. It was as if her heavenly Father, like an attentive mother bending over her baby, saw his child and came to her rescue. The panic gave way to calmness and an assurance that only the Lord can impart. She was assured that the future would be just fine, left in God’s hands.

Shortly after the baby was born, both Bill and Gloria remembered that the power of the blessed Holy Spirit seemed to come to their aid. Christ’s resurrection, in all of its power and affirmation in their lives, revitalized their thinking. To Gloria, it was life conquering death in their daily activities. Joy once again dominated the fearful circumstances of the day. Those events gave rise to one of the most famous Christian songs of our time, “Because He Lives.”

I love the story of this song, and it is one of my favorites.  Our father knows our fear, anxiety, pain, grief and sorrow.  To experience these things is not a sin nor is it a lack of faith, it is simply part of the human condition.  Our heavenly father sent His only son, Jesus to live as man, to be acquainted with all of our experience.

 Isaiah 53:3 says it like this: He is despised and rejected by men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

We may not get to bypass the trouble of this world, but we do have a promise from the father that we do not walk alone.  He is our refuge and a very present help in time of need.  And John 14: 19 says because He lives, we can live. 

Do not be afraid today, keep walking, keep calling out to Him, He will cover you with his feathers and carry you through. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence in my life.  Give me your strength, and peace.  Let your abundant life fill me to overflowing.  In Jesus Name. Amen.