Our Protector

Psalm 119:114 “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.”

          Chapter 119 of Psalms is the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses. In the 114th verse above we find four words that stand out: 1) refuge, 2) shield, 3) hope and 4) word. The Psalmist is declaring first that God is his own personal refuge. What is a refuge? A refuge is a fortress of sorts, a safe haven, a shelter from danger. Not only has the writer stated this, but also that God is his shield. This is typically a piece of armor that is used to protect the combatant. So, the first portion of the verse deals with protection. Since there is nothing God is incapable of (Matthew 19:26; Job 42:2; Jeremiah 32:17, 27 & Luke 1:37), I can think of no better protector then Him. 

           The Psalmist states clearly that he has put his hope in the word of God. What is hope? It is a strong desire with anticipation. Hope is born out of faith and trust. If we have faith, we believe in things unseen as if they can be seen. If we have trust, we have an assurance that we can rely on that thing or person we have placed our faith in. It is with that in mind that we have hope. When we place our hope in the Bible, we are placing our hope in all the statutes and promises that are within its covers. By stating that he puts his hope in God’s word, the Psalmist is in fact also stating that he has faith in Almighty God and through trust is relying on Him to make all things as they should be. God knows all things and can bring about His perfect will for each one of us. His plans for us are for success and His timing is impeccable. There is nothing we cannot do if we rely on God fully. He can open closed doors, provide sustenance where there is none, bring hope to the despondent. God is our protector and our helper in the most desperate of times. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries