A Shield About Me
by Liz Griffin
How amazing King David was! He was in the worst of situations imaginable. His own son, Absalom, had turned against him and wanted him dead. He knew how many enemies he had, and yet he had an assurance of being under God’s protection. The Lord was a shield for him. In desperate times, the Lord looked after him, strengthened him and encouraged him. His relationship with the Lord was unshakeably close. He didn’t believe the negative predictions others were saying about him, and he rose up in faith to trust the Lord.
How incredible that he could say that he managed to sleep, rather than lie awake worrying! How many of us could do that in similar conditions? ‘I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around’ (Psalm 3:5-6).
Many years ago, I used to love a song sung by the Maranatha Singers, called ‘A Shield About Me’. I was sorry to lose the old cassette tape, but, today, one can find all sorts of old songs online and I was delighted to do so. The words are ‘Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me. You’re my glory. You`re the lifter of my head. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah. You`re the lifter of my head’.
Another psalm by David also speaks of the Lord’s covering and protection; ‘But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favour as with a shield’ (Psalms 5:11-12).
David was surrounded by his enemies and called out to God to deliver him. When we feel spiritually oppressed, we too can ask God to be our shield and our deliverer. “O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me”, David says. Then he decides, “I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around”.
Prayer: Thank You, Father God, that You’re our shield and deliverer. When I feel disheartened or oppressed help me to put my trust in You. Help me to be righteous in all my actions and know Your protection and blessings in my life. Amen.
Liz Griffin lived for 20 years as an expatriate in South Africa, Bahrain and Japan, as her husband Paul worked for an international oil company. Paul and Liz became involved with Ellel Ministries in 1991 as part of the ministry team and joined the full-time team at Ellel Grange in 1995. Paul and Liz teach and minister to those seeking healing in their lives and together have written two books, 'Anger - How Do You Handle It' and 'Hope and Healing For The Abused'.
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