The Protection of Peace

- Pastor Dale Oquist

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” – John 14:27 (NASB)

David was running from Absalom, the son he never punished but always coddled, when he penned, “But you, O Lord, are a shield around me.” David declares that the Lord is his protective covering amid this difficulty. He is on the run from his enemies, who are allies with his son, when he writes, “I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me.”

I started to wonder if God’s protection isn’t what we think it is. Of course, God does move, protect, and work on our behalf. Scripture is filled with God’s faithfulness in keeping those promises. But at this moment, David is on the run, yet because of God’s shield, he can sleep and find rest. The Lord is his shield.

That shield provides us with peace. I don’t have to worry about the sword attacking me when I have my shield. Without it, I feel vulnerable and can be attacked on all sides. The shield brings comfort during the battlefield. The shield doesn’t end the battle but allows you to charge forward, knowing you have protection.

Jesus prepared His disciples for life without them. Repeatedly, He told them to have peace and not be fearful. He told them that difficulties would come their way but not to be afraid and have peace. He promised us that the Holy Spirit would be the essence of peace we need.

David didn’t receive relief from Absalom quickly, but his declaration changed his outlook on his circumstances. Sometimes, our first response is fear when we get under challenging circumstances. Instead, we need to make a declarative statement that the Lord is our strength and our shield. He is our provider, and while this circumstance is complex and may require a prolonged battle, I can rest in the shelter He provides.

We are afraid because we don’t trust the shield to do its job. The Holy Spirit is your shield when you choose to rest in the protection of His peace. In Philippians, we are promised a peace that passes all understanding that will guard our hearts and minds as we abide in Christ Jesus. He is our shield around us while the battle continues to rage on. He will give you the rest you need in your trial by providing the protection of peace.

Make a Difference:

What circumstances bring you fear? That can be debilitating and will keep you from making a difference in the people around you. Ask the Lord today to be your shield and strength as you enter today’s battlefields.

As You Read:

Remember that the walls were broken down when Israel was taken into exile; they didn’t feel that they were protected. As Nehemiah rebuilds the walls, think about how often we rely on earthly protections before relying on our Heavenly Father.