Scripture: 

 

Psalm 5:12

“For surely O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favour as with a shield.”

 

Observation:

 

There are two sides to a shield, two sides to a fortress, two sides of opposite outcome. 

 

On the inside a fortress with its walls high as you can see up and so thick, it is impenetrable.  It is safe there, knowing all gates are locked; guards are posted at their appointed watchtowers . . . . check . . . .check  . . . . double-check.

All is well, safe on the inside. . . . one could even sleep.  Assured, confident and at peace.

 

Application:

 

That’s how I feel being a child of God.  Following him as he desires and commands and in return I am blessed.  I have found favour with God as with a shield.  I see that even moreso as a fortress – for the protection I feel is strong and comforting. 

 

His shield is his – I just stand behind him.

His fortress is his – I just live behind it.

 

My role is to remain there under his protection and not try and ‘do life’ my way – the way I want.  The pathway is Jesus and I can’t go around or over – it’s Jesus and I need to stand firm – and the shield that is promised to me will be there.

 

Prayer: 

 

Thank you Lord for your favour on my life.

Your promise of the righteous is my promise.

I receive it today, this day, right now.  I remind myself that you have surrounded me with your favour like a shield.

 

Let me be, one more time – comforted by this, and as the trials of life try to surround me and overwhelm me, may your shield and fortress be high and strong.

 

 

Terry B