Psalm 18:30b, “He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”

[Here again is the perfect partnership you desire with us: your powerful protection predicated on our premeditated hiding in you. If we refuse to flee to you, to seek your wisdom, to obey what we know to be true, to run in your Way, we are left outside your protection.

But if we run to you for help, thinking Truth, praying for guidance, submitting to your Wisdom–then you swing your shield of protection over us, keeping us from all true harm.

How do we run to you? Primarily through praise, thinking your Word, and obeying it. It means taking seriously such statements as”…call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psa. 50:15).

So, for example, when we are sick, taking refuge in you means our first move is to pray, thanking you for the situation, asking for your help and healing. Then going to the doctor if necessary. This declares our dependence on you, gives you glory and opens the way for you to work through whatever means you have to bring healing at the right time.

The opposite of this is seen in the life of King Asa: ‘Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the LORD, but only from the physicians” (2 Chron. 16:12). And he died.

When we believe your Word, Lord, and offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving, you raise up your shield of love and power over us. We hide in you by giving you honor in words of worship, and as we exalt you in faith, you protect us.

Recently I read in the biography of Charles Cowman how, when in a time of need, before seeing any answers, he praised you for the funds you would supply for his Bible School–and at the last minute you acted, bringing in the necessary support, a large amount.

To praise in trust ahead of time for whatever you will bring is a wonderful partnering with you, a taking refuge in you, a strong statement of faith, a great giving of glory to you before the unseen hosts.

Praise be to you, the faithful and holy One, the good and wise God who is never too late, never too early, always prepared and powerful enough to work out all the details of life.

I give you glory, Lord Jesus, for you are the trustable Teacher, the good God, the powerful Protector and the saving Shepherd. You are without error, without evil, without lack. You are complete, consistent and constant.

It is so true, Lord, that you are “a shield for all who take refuge in you.” You are worthy of all worship. Help me to worship you today by taking refuge in you.