August 16: “GOD OUR EVERLASTING SHIELD”

Since the advent of sin in the world, mankind has suffered different consequences, including insecurity and civil unrest. We have continued to contend with different kinds of hostility in different situations for different reasons. This has made it necessary for us to keep looking for where to find refuge and safety.

This Psalm came from David’s experience when he fled from his son Absalom who conspired against him, not only to overthrow him as king of Israel, but also to kill him (see 2 Sam 15). David had to run for his life from the formidable force of Absalom and his loyalists. Though David hid in certain places he considered humanly safe, yet his trust was in God who alone could truly hide and shield him from the evil plans of his enemies. He held on to God as his sure covering and protection.

Learn from David not to take anything for granted, even those you consider to be close to you could become instruments of hostility against you; and you must have this in mind and beware. You must also never be careless or be caught unawares. Take steps you consider reasonable to protect yourself while trusting in God and asking Him to shield you from all evil. This is against the background of the fact that you need to stay alive to be able to complete your divinely allotted days on earth and fulfil God’s mission for you. As you trust in the Lord as your shield, He lifts you up and announces you to your generation in due season.

Prayer: Lord, you are my hiding place and my shield. I ask you to keep me from the evil schemes designed against me by the forces of darkness. Amen.