A Shield Around Me

As I was reading from the Psalms this morning, I came to this passage: "But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high" (3:3).  What struck me about the passage was not the fact of His shield, but the need for the shield.  One doesn't need a shield unless there is something to be shielded from.  It suggests that the one shielded is moving about in dangerous, enemy territory.

This passage reveals that we are living in dangerous, enemy territory, whether we know it or not.  Some are most certainly aware and keep their Sword (Bible knowledge) sharp and ready to use in battle with the Enemy.  Others go about with little sense or preparation for the fray.  Regardless, the danger exists for the Enemy is "going about like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour" (1 Pet 5:7).

Don't misunderstand, a roaring lion does not broadcast that he is coming to warn you to find shelter.  He doesn't roar until he is ready to strike.  He roars to paralyze his prey with fear so that he can attack and devour it.  When you hear the roar (become aware of the danger), it is too late, he is upon you.

The Psalmist was fully aware of the world in which he lived, a world of constant danger.  He knew that the Enemy was near and could strike at any moment.  He didn't necessarily believe that he could be aware of every movement and so defend himself, rather, he believed God was near as well and stood ready to shield him from danger, lifting his head (bring him to victory) in battle.

Yesterday, families marking Baylor University's graduation, were dining at a Twin Peaks restaurant in a crowded mall located along I-35 in Waco, Texas.  Although they were not aware of the danger, a gun battle was about to break out just feet from them among rival biker gangs.  The battle ended with nine dead and eighteen others wounded.  However, none of the innocent patrons enjoying a meal were killed or injured, not one.

The reason?  Waco police, acting on a tip, had been nearby in force, ready for trouble to break out.  Although the restaurant patrons were not aware of the danger or the deadly struggle about to break out, the Waco police were "a shield around them."  Noticed or not, the police were there are the families were protected.

In our spiritual battle "against the powers of this dark world" (Eph 6:12), we may not always be aware of the Enemy's presence or his potential for causing harm, butt God is nearby, ready to shield us and lift up our heads.  When we walk with the Lord, he is ever our shield around us to protect us even when we are unaware of Satan's threat for "the Lord protect the unwary, when I was brought low, he saved me" (Ps 116:6).  Jus' Say'n.