The LORD is my strength and my shield.  Psalm 28:7 

Shields used in battle pre-date Israel. Sometimes the soldier carried his own. Other times he had a shield bearer, one who walked beside him and shielded him as he fought.

My Father is my shield bearer. That’s almost more than I can take in. He is so good to me!  But here’s a question ~ Who hates me so much that I’d need someone to defend me? Who is my enemy?

Once corrupted by pride, Satan became envious and entitled. He wanted God’s throne and the worship that went with it. Because God would not share His glory with another, Satan led a rebellion and he, along with the fallen angels who followed his lead, were exiled to Earth and the war began. Anyone on God’s side became the enemy. He would hate all of God’s children because we belong to his arch-enemy.

Satan’s passion to kill and destroy has not cooled off. His anger is still white-hot and he sets out to destroy any good thing God desires to give me. He creates obstacles, making things so hard that I’ll be tempted to believe that my blessing has been nullified. I’ll want to throw up my hands and abdicate when, instead, I should be digging in, trusting God’s promises, and believing that He is actively shielding me as I walk by faith. He is not just my shield but my strength.

Over what should I be fighting with prayer and with scripture that I’ve declared hopeless?  Show me, Holy Spirit. Amen