To the museum, the finely crafted Cheyenne shield displayed in a glass case was an art object. Yet to the warrior-creator it symbolized protection.
The accompanying card described its creation, telling how the warrior began with tough buffalo chest hide about eighteen inches across. After properly processing the skin, he fitted it into a frame and then tested it by shooting arrows at it.
The craftsman painted the shield with a design that had spiritual meaning to him, giving the shield potent powers. When not using it, he covered the shield with a decorated buckskin since warriors believed the shield’s power could affect the viewer. In battle, the warrior removed the cover and rode into battle, relying on the physical and spiritual protection the shield offered.
When the psalmist called God a shield, he referred to God’s protection in battle as the soldier advanced into conflicts.
Sometimes we also face conflicts–most likely of the spiritual type–and we also can claim God’s shielding protection. God serves as our spiritual protective shield as we progress on our spiritual journeys to serve Him.
God’s protection comes in a variety of forms. It may be His ongoing encouragement amidst the doubts and worries we encounter. Or His providing our needs so we can accomplish His will.
To the Cheyenne warrior, the shield protected him so he could survive an enemy encounter. To us, God’s protective shield enables us to serve Him, providing a means of security so we can glorify Him.
How are you depending on God’s protective shield?
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Anne Adams is a retired church staffer living in Athens, Texas, where she writes a historical column for the local newspaper. Her book Brittany, Child of Joy, tells about her mentally disabled daughter and was published in 1986 by Broadman. She has taught junior college history and has published in Christian and secular publications for forty years.