Shielded

Honesty moment: so, when I started writing this, I was convinced that I was going to base it on Isaiah 59:19. Then, I realized that scripture doesn’t mean what I thought it meant (lesson/purpose of this intro: this is why we study the word for ourselves, saints). Yet, I found another scripture that essentially speaks to the same point (thanks God, because I was starting to think I was insane/incompetent). Today’s ram in the bush: Psalm 3:3.

Psalm 3:3 says “but You, O Lord, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.” So my question is…if God is the shield, and the glory, and the lifter of our heads…why are you trying to be that? With all due respect, baaaaby…what is you doing?

A shield’s primary use is protection. However, it is useless if you insist on protecting yourself. If I had a shield, and sat it down as I was getting ready to go to war, you’d think I was a fool. Yet, we do that more than many of us would like to admit. Personally, I’m a helper…and sometimes (or…most) that flows over into my relationship with God. Yet, time and time again, I’m reminded of the fact that God doesn’t need my help; I need His.

     How many times have you taken something to God….and tried to fix yourself? (intentionally or nah) How many times have you prayed about something…and still lost sleep over it? If you’re going to lose sleep stressing about it, why should God? (I know He doesn’t sleep, but still) If you’re going to keep your hands in it, why should His hands be on it? They’re only in your way, right? So often, we wonder why God isn’t fighting our battles for us, when it’s because we’re fighting them for ourselves.
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     What I’ve really grown to love is the example set for us in verses 4 &5. I cried, He heard, I went to sleep. That….that’s peace to me. That’s faith in action. It’s trusting God enough to cry out to Him, know that He heard you (whether He verbally responded or not), and get the rest you rightfully deserve in Him. What good are the tears or the time it took to pray, if you won’t rest and wait for Him to work it out as only He can? There is no need in Him being your savior if you insist on saving yourself. There’s no use in having a shield available, and not keeping it close to you. There’s no use in asking God to lead you, if you don’t trust direction that doesn’t match up with your (not so) magical plan.

     Today, I encourage you to use the shield that you have in your hand. I challenge you to take your cares to Him, leave them there, and rest in Him. He was, He is, and He will always be a God of His word. Therefore, no weapon formed against you will prosper. He’s still able to do exceeding abundantly above all that you could ask or think. You’re healed by His stripes. He’s still your provider. He’s still your banner. He’s still for you, and if - no, since - He is for you, failure is the only option for your enemies. I challenge to take the courage to rest. I challenge you to trust Him for real, and watch Him work for real. The rest, the peace, and the joy you need…are in your ability to let God be God. He’ll fight, once you start walking in your faith.

Background Music: Don’t Pray & Worry - J Moss

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