Surrounded by a shield of Love

I know I keep going back to the “Resilient” book by Eldredge, but there were so many little nuggets in there that spoke to me and this evening I feel like I have a friend that needs to read this as well. In one of his chapters, he highlights Psalm 5:12 which reminds us that God surrounds us with a shield of love/favor. Tonight, I felt it important to share more of this Psalm. "Not a word from (my enemies’) mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies…But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you” (Psalm 5: 9-11, NIV).

We cannot control the words or actions of others, but we can decide how we respond. Psalm 5 reminds us that we have a shield that cannot be pierced, it is the shield of God’s love. It is only when we step away from God, when we don’t take refuge in Him that these words or actions have the ability to impact us. When we turn to God, all of these things meant to do us harm are like water on a duck’s back- it cannot and will not affect us.

Do not be tempted to respond in hate or in rage, but instead focus on the impenetrable love of God. I am not saying that you cannot be angry, or hurt, but that when hateful thoughts enter your mind, instead focus on the shield of love that God has around you. All of the things meant to do you harm, or cause you hurt then loose their power over you because God’s shield cannot be pierced.

Today, I pray that you remember that God’s shield is always around you. I pray that when you are attacked or when actions are used to cause you harm, that you immediately seek refuge in God and rejoice in the joy and peace that can only be found in Him. Today, I pray you never forget that anything this world puts against you is already defeated by our Heavenly Father.