Life can be scary and painful. We face horrible dangers and devastating losses every day, but as believers we never face them alone–
A shield from the darts of the enemy and his attacks. A shield which will protect me and keep me safe from every attempt to harm me. A shield which guards my heart, my mind and my soul.
But, I have to choose to take refuge in Him! I can’t try and shield myself and I can’t try and do everything on my own. I must put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). I must choose to take refuge and remain in Him!
I also must remember that this doesn’t mean that I will never face physical challenges or hardships. I can’t blame God or doubt His protection when the evil of this world and the consequences of sin somehow pierce my life.
My soul finds rest in God alone and I will have eternal peace and everlasting joy one day. But right now, in this life with trials and tribulation, my heart and my mind are guarded in Christ Jesus and I have the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, (Philippians 4:7).
And I can have this peace even in the pain and through the struggles of this life. God is still my refuge and my shield. The things of this world are blocked from my soul and the evil thoughts and desires do not have to take root- His shield covers me when I choose to take refuge in the LORD!