Read Psalm 5:7-12. 7But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. 8Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. 9For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue. 10Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you. 11But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. 12For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.
David’s morning prayer ends beautifully, full of faith and even joy. Why? Have all David’s problems gone away? Have all his enemies turned to flee? Not quite. Notice the last words of the Psalm – you cover him with favor as with a shield.
David’s problems still persist. How do we know? Because he still needs a shield. He still needs a refuge (v.11). God doesn’t always immediately take away our problems, or destroy our enemies, or remove the difficulties from life. But he does always shield us with his favor. His acceptance. His pleasure.
In Christ we have this same favor (grace) of God. This same shield. We have the shield of our union with Christ, the favor of God protecting our hearts with his steadfast love. Our difficulties in life are never the proof of God’s rejection of us. Quite the opposite. They are opportunities to trust the refuge of God and to live under his shield of love.
Christian, you are accepted and enjoyed by God right now (not just some day). He takes pleasure in you just as he does the Son. To live is Christ means living each day under this sure defense. And it means joining in praise with all who take refuge in him.
In Christ: Do you see your lie as shielded by God’s grace in Christ? If not, what might be preventing this perspective?
Christ in you: Spend some time exulting in Christ today. What can that look like for you?
Pray. Jesus, you are my shield. The same favor God has showered on you is now mine to share. Help me to sing for joy in each and every circumstance of life. Amen.
To Live is Christ 