Psalm 119:114


You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word ~ Psalm 119:114

When David was pursued by Saul, he found hiding places in the caves among the hills to which he ran. There he would find refuge and preserve himself from the danger Saul had intended to place him in. When he was in battle, he would protect himself with his shield. Both were tools he used when he found himself in dangerous situations. David’s confidence was not only in the caves and in his shield, but in his direct confidence which arose from his relationship with God. If he placed his trust in God as his protector, he had nothing to fear from Saul, or any other enemy he may find himself surrounded by in battle. His protection came from the Divine Protector, whose word David knew, as well as the stories that went along with those words. Our stories of God’s faithfulness are important too. God’s word is strong and piercing, and his Word speaks life into many hearts without any need of tales to go along with it. Our stories bring to life what we read and believe, and they help make God’s word become a living Word. How often do we try to thump people over the head with God’s Word, when what they really need is to know how to trust in that Word and in the God which spoke those words into existence? Those who depend upon God’s promises have the benefit of his power and are under his special protection, but how are others to know it if we don’t share our stories with them? God’s Word should always be before us so that our faith would be strong, and we be upheld by his promises. Amen to that! However, if we cannot share our story of faith in a God who is our refuge and shield, how can we be his witnesses?

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