Jesus: Our Strength & Shield

Life can be a merciless opponent, thrusting swing upon swing. However, there is a peace that the people of God can hold to, rooted in God Himself. David would remind us of the peace of God while in the throes of his own conflict, “But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” (Ps 3:3) It was several centuries later that Paul reminds us that we can do all things through Christ’s strengthening (Phil 4:13), and that Christ is our life (Col 3:4). Christ is our shield and strength.

The interesting thing about a shield is that it will not remove battles from us, but it will keep the battle from consuming us. Jesus never promised us that following Him would bring ease - quite the opposite, “In the world you will have tribulation.” (Jn 16:33) However, Christ gave us two precious promises as it relates to the battle: first, He will not abandon us (Matt 28:20); second, He is victorious - “But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16:33).

The way that Scripture explains strength is not like the world’s definition — it is not muscle, might, or machismo. Instead, strength, from a biblical perspective, is endurance, fueled by the hope that comes only from Christ. Because He reigns and will return, we maintain the fight, strengthened in our inner man (Eph 3:16). The fact is, the more we lean into Christ, the stronger we become.

Some trust in chariots and horses (Ps 20:7), looking to fight spiritual battles with physical tools. We, however, trust in the Lord, finding our stability and strength in Christ — a shield we did not forge, a strength surpassing all else. We hold Christ near, clinging to Him. We follow Christ closely, covered in His dust. We press forward in the might which He supplies (1 Pet 4:11). The world has flimsy defenses - Jesus never fails.