My Shield is with God

Exodus 37-38

Psalm 7

Matthew 21

Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end,
    and may you establish the righteous—
you who test the minds and hearts,
    O righteous God!
¹⁰ My shield is with God,
    who saves the upright in heart. Psalm 7:9-10 ESV

Devotion by Jennifer Hall (IN)

David was known as a man after God’s own heart. David was also called by God into a position of leadership and service, in turn ending up with enemies, persecuted, misunderstood, and alone at times. If anyone knew enemies, David did. If anyone trusted God to deal with his enemies, David did. Sparing Saul’s life when Saul was trying to kill him, restraining retaliation even when provoked at times, and seeking God’s guidance in his actions and responses were all ways David demonstrated that trust.

When I read Psalm 7, I read it from my paradigm thousands of years after David wrote these words. Yet, I notice how much these words still ring loud and clear today. Sometimes it is hard to read about atrocities and not invest more energy devising how to destroy or define enemies than it is to invest in turning to God as our shield and righteous judge. There are undoubtedly huge atrocities going on around us globally, nationally, and locally. There are also hurts, mistakes, and sins going on in our families, churches, and personal relationships. We hear of the bad stuff and bad guys all day every day, because this is what the media and water coolers feed us, and perhaps what we keep ordering. David certainly was not immune to cruelty and unfairness, but Psalm 7 indicates he knew well that God was a righteous judge, that He tests the minds and hearts, and that He is worthy of our reliance and gratitude.

In a world of enemies, deception, artificial intelligence schemes, social media agendas, toxins, and distractions pulling us away from God, we have the choice to be of the world or of the kingdom. We can be a pot-stirrer and well-poisoner, or we can trust that those who dig a pit will eventually fall (verse 15), that God’s shield is for those who repent (verses 3 and 12),  that God knows intents of the hearts and minds that we may not (verse 9), and that He is a righteous judge.  While the world rages on with its deceptions, brutalities, and evil agendas until the return of Jesus and the establishment of his kingdom on earth, as Christians we can look and sound different, setting our attentions higher, and echoing Psalm 7:17, 

“I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.”

Reflection Questions:

How do David’s words speak to you today?

What can you thank the LORD for as righteous judge and loving father today?

Knowing God is our shield, even against wicked enemies, what can we turn over to Him today?

Prayer:

Our Dear Heavenly Father and Shield, I praise You for Your goodness and love, and also for your righteous judgments. You know all, You see all, You discern all. You are truth and light and You are the victor. When You look into my mind and my heart, God, I want to be pleasing to You. I confess the times my own words, thoughts, attitudes and actions have been less than righteous in Your sight. Please forgive me, too, for the times I have been more focused on the evil or the enemy around me instead of on You. Help me to trust You more and more, knowing I can work and rest secure behind Your shield when I am doing what You want me to do. I pray for Your wisdom and discernment to know what is truly my enemy and Yours, and what is not. Thank you for the gift of Your Son that You gave to a wicked world to show us the way to You. Help me follow him well so I will be ready when he returns to set up Your perfect Kingdom.