God’s GrandeurSample

The Lord is a Shield; He is Protective Heat.

I wonder what your relationship with the Sun is like? In my case, it is twofold: warmth and warning! On the one hand, I love the sensation of warmth covering every inch of my skin. On the other hand, once I start feeling that this warmth is going beyond a pleasant sensation, I take it as a warning and I thank God for sunscreen! It is interesting that the psalmist, used this powerful image, the Lord as a Sun and shield, for us to remember and consider. 

The heart of the Sun brings warmth and warning. There are different images used by the psalmists to describe God’s protection around us. Sometimes it is a shield, other times it is wings that cover us with feathers as in Psalm 91. When you are in God’s presence you feel protected. These are moments we all cherish and long for. His arms are around us, so nothing and nobody can harm us. This is the reason why the psalmist says, “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” (Psalm 84:10)

The Lord is a shield. He certainly protects us, and we feel safe and warm. However, this warmth is also a warning for us; it can become protective heat. In God’s presence we encounter His holiness, and the Holy Spirit is in our hearts guiding us to all truth. Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit telling you, “Stop! Go away from this place!” The psalmist indeed knew this when he wrote, “For the Lord is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” (Psalm 84:11) When you walk in integrity, you understand that not only does God protect but that He also warns us regarding those things that are not convenient. That is why His Word is a lamp to light your way. You have the freedom to do anything, but not everything is beneficial or constructive. 

God does not withhold His blessings from those whose walk is blameless. It is our decision whether we want to live in God’s presence or in the tents of the wicked. When we experience that it is better to be one day in God’s presence than to be a thousand elsewhere, we not only enjoy the warmth of His presence but also we understand that we cannot play around with God. He is holy, and He will not withhold His blessings when we decide to live with integrity. 

Thought of the Day

The Lord is a sun and shield; He does not withhold His blessings from those who walk in integrity. Happy are those who trust in His protection!