God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. [Psalm 18: 30 (NLT)]

Each month, I share prayer requests with a group of people. As I look through the appeals, it becomes obvious that Christians, even Christians of deep faith, are not shielded from the challenges and difficulties of everyday life. Like everyone else, we have marriage problems, unemployment, financial issues, uncertainty, poor health, depression and chronic pain. Our family members are no different from anyone else’s either; they have addictions, cancer, lack of faith, legal difficulties, and emotional problems. Our needs are the same as anyone’s: wisdom, balance, healing, guidance and strength. If God is our shield, shouldn’t people of faith be impervious to the slings and arrows of everyday life? Shouldn’t we be protected and sheltered from the storms that plague unbelievers?

Deep faith, however, is no guarantee of a smooth ride and life will inflict its inevitable challenges and obstacles with unpredictability upon us all, faithful or not. God’s shield doesn’t make us like superman, invulnerable to everything but kryptonite; it doesn’t prevent us from being bombarded with trouble. God’s shield, however, makes an enormous difference when facing those troubles because it keeps us from being defeated by them. It is the armor that sustains us when we have to face challenges, strengthens us when we do battle with evil forces, revives us when we tire or lose heart, guides and comforts us with His word, and provides a refuge when we need a safe haven. God’s shield assures us that He is in control, that He loves us and will never abandon us. His shield also provides us with brothers and sisters in Christ who will gladly offer their prayers, support, advice and helping hands.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for being our shield and for the loving prayers of our Christian family.

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. [Psalm 3:3 (NLT)]