Together - Daily DevotionalSample

Shield of Faith

Reading: Psalm 64:1-10

Key Verse: “Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from that noisy crowd of evildoers, who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows” verses 2-3

Just like a diamond there are many different facets to the attribute we call faith. It is a gift of God necessary for salvation (Eph.2:8), a fruit that grows (2 Thess.1:3) and an action that is evidence of trust in God (Heb.11). Here, in terms of personal spiritual protection Paul speaks of it as a shield. 

Archery has been a major weapon of warfare for millennia. The deadliness of a volley of arrows is recorded in historical records such as the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 when English archers were instrumental in overcoming a numerically superior French army. Sometimes arrow tips would be wrapped with cloth and set alight to cause greater destruction. The Romans protected themselves from enemy arrows by locking their shields together to form an impenetrable wall and ceiling.

Psalms reveals harmful words and thoughts are like deadly arrows. Paul likens attacks of our enemy to flaming arrows which try to penetrate our minds and emotions with unbelief and temptation. Just as Roman soldiers protected themselves, so we can use our faith like a shield to defend ourselves from enticements to sin and doubts in God’s loving care. So lift your shield of faith to overcome the devil’s schemes to harm you.

Prayer: Lord I raise my shield of faith to overcome thoughts of accusation, temptation and doubt