Do Not be Afraid Because God is Your Shield

We live in unprecedented times. Your news feed draws you in with apocalyptic headlines and equally terrifying images from around the world. During such times, your normally secure financial portfolio feels increasingly insecure. You may wonder what kind of world your kids will grow up in. It’s easy to feel afraid. There are 365 times in the Bible that God said we do not need to be afraid—one reminder for every day of the year. The first one is found in God’s words to Abram. You do not need to be afraid because God is your shield.

After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: ‘DO NOT BE AFRAID, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward’ (Genesis 15:1).

The Psalms are filled with reminders that God is our shield.

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head (Psalm 3:3).

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold (Psalm 18:2).

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11).

As our shield, God lifts our head when we’re discouraged. He is the refuge to which we can run when we’re in danger. He is the one who bestows favor and honor. This is why we turn to him when fear begins to creep in.

As our shield, we can run to the Lord when we’re fearful.

He is the one who protects us from the things we fear. The basic idea of the Hebrew word was to cover over and protect from danger. Isaiah captured this same idea when he wrote, “Like birds hovering, so the Lord of hosts will protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it; he will spare and rescue it” (Isaiah 31:5).

Several years ago, I watched a wild turkey cross the road where I work with a dozen week-old chicks in tow. Suddenly the mother began to run in circles with her wings up. As if on cue, the chicks ran for cover beneath her wings. As I pulled my car over, I could see a hawk repeatedly diving for the chicks that the mother was seeking to protect. Under her raised wings, they were promptly escorted across the street and into the woods. This is the image God gave us to think about. He will protect us; he knows the best way to move us from point A to point B. He is our shield.

Next time you’re afraid, remember that God is your shield.

When you are under attack, run to him for cover.

He will be your great reward.

Phil Moser is the author behind the Biblical Strategies series and 4M Discipleship for men. His unique small group videos are beautifully filmed at National Park locations and are offered free of charge. They are an excellent addition to the Biblical Strategies family of resources.