February 19, 2003
Reading:
Psalm 3:1-8
“But You, O
LORD, are a shield for me” (3)
What an encouragement and strength these words
can be to each one who calls the Lord “My Savior.” On the one hand, there are
many who say our faith is worthless and we seek help from God in vain, but on
the other we know Him to be our Help and, indeed, have proved Him to be so.
“God is a figment of your imagination,” they say, but we know He is real
because we have a personal relationship with Him. “God is nothing more than a
crutch for you to lean on,” they deride, as they unwittingly state a half-truth.
We lean on Him, the God of
In our daily walk of life we will be faced
with many events that, if the Lord were not our Shield, would throw us into the
depths of despair. The “D” words – disappointment, discouragement, despondency,
despair, are all realities in life. The Christian will face his fair share of disappointments,
but can be protected from its effects. Disappointments will confront us all, and,
if not handled correctly, will lead us into discouragement, then to despondency
and finally despair. The number of suicides is alarming and is especially
tragic when committed by a Christian. To the one who has been brought to the
depths of despair, with no apparent hope, suicide is sometimes the only answer,
but not so with those who have committed their life to Christ.
Peter wrote, “Therefore humble yourselves
under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all
your care upon Him, for He cares for you” 1 Peter 5:6-7. This is a lesson we
all must learn if we wish to be protected from the devastating effects of
disappointment. God has promised to be our Shield, and it is only as we humble
ourselves and turn to Him for help, that we will experience His protection. Why
do we attempt to face life’s disappointments alone when He has promised to help
us?
When disappointments come my way,
O Redeemer, be my Shield;
When doubt my spirit seeks to sway,
Dear Master, be my Shield.
When tempted not to turn to Thee,
Holy Spirit, help me yield;
When engulfed by life’s angry sea,
Jehovah, be my Shield.
Help me, on Thee to cast my care,
God of love, to Thee I yield;
Help me turn to Thee in prayer,
And know Thee as my Shield.
O Thou, Who lifts my bowing head,
With hope my heart is filled;
No more worry, but now instead
I know Thee as my Shield.
DTP