God Is Our Shield
Psalm 28:7 [NIV] | The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.
Christmas has passed and we can take a moment to reflect on the gifts received from our loved ones. Giving is a sign of love, an action that is not required but a response of care and concern. God tells Abram prior to the promise of receiving a son that he has already been given Abram a gift, “I am your shield, your great reward” (Genesis 15:1). In times of crisis, we can rest in the assurance that God is our shield, our great reward. A reward is something given, not only because it is earned, but also because it is promised. The problem we often face is not putting our trust in the one who is our protector.
Jesus came to be our shield against the eternal consequences of sin. He came to be our shield against the powers of Satan. And Jesus came to shield us from eternal death and give us life. For all who put their trust in Jesus there is a promise of help and protection. Even though we try to fight the battles of the world alone, it is in Christ we have the strength to endure. We can rejoice in the promises of God as we face a new day knowing we have Jesus as a great reward – our Shield.
As the day presents itself with challenges, we put our hope in the one who is ready to help and protect us this day. We pray that God would protect us from sin and evil. We also pray that God would protect and shield us from all harm. As God protects us, we offer our lives to him as living sacrifices giving him all glory and honor. We have a great Shield! God is our unmerited reward. Praise be to God who loves us unconditionally.
Prayer: (Luther’s Morning Prayer)
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Action Plan:
I admit I am a sinner and need to seek God’s help against temptation. Today I give God my struggle against…