OUR SHIELD AND HELP

Key verse: The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. (Psalm 28:7)

As a police inspector who loves and follows Jesus, Marie says knowing Him makes all the difference in how she approaches her job. Once when she was sent on an emergency call to a woman who was reported to be violent and self-harming with knives, Marie prayed earnestly while on the journey to her home. When she arrived, she discovered that “the lady was fine”. Seeing God change the situation “gave me the courage that He is for me,” Marie later reflected. “He is my protector and shield and [will] be with me.”

Marie follows the example of King David, who trusted in God for help and hope: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me” (Psalm 28:7). We aren’t told which trial David endured when he wrote these words, whether he was on the run from King Saul or from his own son Absalom, but we know that he cried out to God for mercy (v. 6). He knew that God “is the strength of his people” and that He provides a place of safety and salvation for those who trust in Him (v. 8).

When we face stressful situations, we too can put our hope in God. We know that He will be our shepherd who will carry us forever (v. 9). He won’t let us go astray when we follow Him.

—Amy Boucher Pye

Prayer: God, our Good Shepherd, lead me to quiet waters and refresh me. I know that You are with me always.