My shield

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”

Psalm 28:7 (KJV)

What does this mean?

David is praying for help against enemies who are plotting against him, and this verse is his song of thanks after God answers. He says God is the one who gives him strength and guards him like a shield. His heart trusted in God, he says, and he was helped, so his heart rejoices and he praises God with a song.

What does this teach us?

Trust comes before the song. David does not sing because everything is fixed; he sings because he trusted God and was helped, and the help he received turned his fear into a song of praise.

How can we apply this?

Think of one time God helped you when you trusted him, and let that memory become a song today. Thank him out loud for that help, and let the thanksgiving steady you for the trouble in front of you now.

Related KJV passages

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1
“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”
Psalm 18:2
“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD .”
Psalm 31:24

Reflection

When has God helped you after you trusted him, and how could remembering it help you today?

Prayer

Lord, you give me strength and you guard me like a shield. Thank you for the help you have already given me when I trusted you — fill my heart with joy today, and let my song be praise to you. Amen.