Psalms 28:7 “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.”

THE GRUNT JOB

I played football in high school, but I didn’t have one of the “glorious” roles. I was an offensive lineman. In fact, I played Center, Guard and Tackle through my high school years. Do you know what the job is for an offensive lineman? He is the shield for the Quarterback or the Running Back. No one really notices you, unless you miss a block. Then all eyes are on you, especially the Coach.

I don’t remember all the blocks I made defending our offensive “stars.” But I do remember several spectacular scores that were made which would not have been made unless the lineman did their jobs.

Our Lord is always our strength and shield. He allows us to “score.” He protects us in our walk. The only time we get “tackled” is when He allows it for our good. Now that may be hard to understand. Why would the Lord allow us to get “hit” in our walk with Him? I can’t answer that question fully so that you will understand it. I only know that He is sovereign, and I trust Him.

TEACHING MOMENT

Your children must learn to trust the Lord as their shield and their strength. They must learn to walk the path He has led them on knowing that they are safe as long as they stay on His path and don’t deviate from it. When they do that they can rejoice and sing praises to Him.

Have you ever grabbed your child’s hand as you crossed an intersection? Have you ever instinctively put out your arm to protect them in the passenger seat when you hit your brakes too hard? Have you ever hugged your child tightly during the night when they have had a bad dream? As you do these every day things, reflect on this verse. Our Lord is doing that in an unseen way every day in our lives. He loves us and will always be our strength and shield. Trust Him!