Shield and Refuge

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word” (Psalm 119:114, ESV).

Confidence in God’s Word is confidence in God. The psalmist’s reliance upon the law of the Lord emerges out of his trusting dependence upon Him. Here two images describe God’s protecting power: He is a secret refuge from enemies, and a warrior’s shield to fend off attacks. Though the pictures are formally different, their combined effect is to emphasize the absolute security that God’s people find in Him—and thus the treasure that God’s Word is to those who trust in Him.

Take refuge in God’s Word. The Almighty is able to protect and save His people from every danger, every trial; and He has spoken, given us His written Word so that we may take heart. Meditate upon His character, His promises, the record of His mighty deeds in the past and the prophetic declaration of His plans to come. The Lord is Lord, and His people may have complete confidence in Him.