Make it personal

Moses spoke these final words of blessing as he ascended the mountain to view the Promised Land.  “Happy are you, oh Israel. Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help and the sword of your majesty,” (Deuteronomy 33: 29). Moses used his last words to lift up the Name of the Lord, and to point out to the Israelites, the special relationship that existed between them. Moses was not talking about a distant God, who neither knew nor understood His people. Nor was he referring to an idol crafted by human hands from wood or stone. That is, a god that is unresponsive because he can neither hear nor see the people who are offering their worship. Moses was referring to Who God is and what He does: God is the One who saves, protects and helps. The words of Moses offer hope, comfort and encouragement for kingdom citizens today. Kingdom citizens can be called happy and blessed, just as the Israelites were because we share the same blessings. The Lord is still in the business of saving His children – He delivers us from the slavery of sickness, pain, debt, despair, toxic relationships and so much more. What makes this passage more meaningful is that this description is written by someone who knows God well. God is not just a shield that may be able to help; He is the Shield of your help. He cares about you as an individual. He is invested in your well-being and wants you to put your hope in Him, especially when everything around you seems so uncertain. Moses was telling the Israelites that God could be trusted with their safety. The message is for you too. That does not mean that bad things will never happen to you. It means that no matter what happens, God is in control. There is so much freedom and peace in knowing this. If you are feeling vulnerable, run to the One who holds your future in His hands. Run to the One who is your Shield. Claim the promises of God for your life. God is the Shield of [insert your name here]. Repeat those words of encouragement every day. The Lord is a Strength and Shield for those who trust in Him.