No Small Thing

But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. _{Psalm 3:3}

When I think of a battle shield, I envisage a large piece of wood and metal that would have covered a soldier from the chest to the top of his legs. In films, you would often see a row of soldiers plant their shields on the ground, side by side, in order to create their own protective wall to crouch behind. Is this the image you have when you think of the Lord as your shield?

It may surprise you to know that what David is describing in this verse is a small shield, or buckler, which was around 18 inches in diameter. This may sound disappointing at first but because it is small and light it can move easily and quickly. Attack can come from any angle, and as you move, the buckler moves with you, always protecting, always defending. It is also interesting to note that the primary use of the buckler was to protect the sword hand. Think that over for a moment.

A buckler may be small but the protection of the Lord is no small thing. This verse is a wonderful reminder that the Lord surrounds us on every side, in every battle, shielding us from attack as we use his Word to fight against the enemy. All of this is for his glory and He is the one that can lift our heads above the fray.

Keep this verse close to you today, repeating this truth: “Lord, you are my shield, you are my glory, you are the lifter of my head.”