The Importance of Armor Maintenance: The Shield

This is the fifth segment in an eight-part series.

Our loving and powerful God is described as many things in the Bible. He is our rock, our fortress, our salvation, and our light, to name a few. And additionally, I found more than a dozen references declaring that God is our shield! He provides Himself as protection for us, but the material that strengthens that shield is our faith.

Throughout history and cultures, military shields have been different sizes and made of various materials. Small shields could be carried on the arm, and larger versions, like the one referenced in Psalm 91:4, were curved and large enough to be placed on the ground and used as a protective cover. Shields could also be used as weapons. Many had spikes on the outside to damage enemies when pushing them back.

Interestingly, armies worldwide discovered a similar strategy of joining their shields together when under attack. This technique formed a more substantial, more protected group with confidence in their fellow soldiers. Roman soldiers called their formation a "tortoise," and William the Conquer called his army's a "shield wall."

The modern equivalent I found is not on an actual battlefield. Since 2010, groups of cyber intelligence experts from around the world have participated in annual computer-based war games to help refine skills and procedures in defending other countries against cyber attacks. Each year, teams are given a scenario in which they protect a fictitious country which is suffering a hostile attack to their computer systems controlling utilities, finances, and military systems. The name of the exercise? Locked Shields.

Maintaining our Shields

The Roman soldier's shield was made of wood and leather and was sometimes covered with fabric to help prevent rust or incidental damage. Keeping shields in good shape was important for individual soldiers and the whole army. Remember the soldiers locking their shields together? One weak shield could allow the enemy to break through, putting the entire group in danger.

To maintain our shield, we need to cover it with faith, seek the Lord's presence, and make faith choices grounded in our relationship with Jesus Christ. What is one way to refine our faith? Unfortunately, through conflict and struggle. (1 Peter 1:6-7) When we are put in a situation where we must rely on God, we grow our faith more than at any other time. It's uncomfortable, frustrating, and often painful, but the process will refine our faith and our relationship with God.

Damaged Shields

Psalm 18 mentions God's shield three times. It is a beautiful psalm, written by David after escaping attacks led by King Saul, someone he was once close to (even his father-in-law) but was now pursuing him out of jealousy and pride. The enemy also manipulated the king to get at David, using Saul to hurl threats and even spears at him. David was familiar with his hateful speech, and the words hurt him, especially since they came from someone with whom he was close. We are no different.

Our shields of faith can be damaged in several ways, but today we will focus on arrows in the form of hurtful words.

Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy. Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers. They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.

Psalm 64:1-3

Our friends and family can launch shots at us, too. Sometimes they do it out of envy and anger, much like King Saul did. But, sometimes, they may not even know they are shooting arrows or throwing spears. The military would call this “friendly fire.”

Have you ever been hurt by someone who was genuinely trying to give you advice or encouragement? What about people who used scriptures while trying to be helpful, but they were not?

Because people are in a hurry or maybe aren't paying attention, we may say things that injure others. I know I have unwittingly said destructive things myself. Maybe in those times, we were trying to fix circumstances, sound Christian, or fill an uncomfortable silence, so we simply said something "churchy." Most often, people don't do it to wound others. They absolutely don't. But even scriptures can be weaponized and used the wrong way.

The enemy did exactly that when he tempted Jesus in the desert. He twisted God's Word in trying to outwit Jesus, but Jesus knew the Word well enough to correct him and send him running. The enemy also attempted to raise doubt in Jesus' mind and provoke pride in Him. He kept saying, "IF you are the son of God...." He was launching arrows at Jesus, testing His shield of faith. I am certain it was uncomfortable, frustrating, and perhaps even painful for our Lord. But the Holy Spirit led Him there to be tested (Matthew 4:1) to check His shield.

Jesus was a target, and so are we. Even though we believe scripture, poor timing can transform verses into hurtful arrows. For example, if someone has lost a loved one, we can make an arrow out of, "Everything happens for a reason," derived from Romans 8:28. Someone who has received a terminal diagnosis doesn't need to be shot with the "God is on the throne" arrow. And, likewise, if someone shares that they are getting a divorce, losing a job, or some other painful circumstance, we should not shout rebukes in the name of Jesus. All of these have their time and their truth, but errant shots when shields are already broken can only add to the damage.

Beyond using scripture, people can launch their own arrows. I know a mom who, after losing a child in an accident, had people tell her that at least she had other children. While I'm confident people were trying to comfort her (much like Job's friends did), they dismissed the fact that she lost a child. How hurtful! After a circle of my friends lost a lady we loved to Covid, one person in the group declared that we should be praising instead of grieving because our friend was in Heaven. That was not productive. Yes, our friend was in Heaven, but we still needed time to process the loss.

Shield Repair

Attacks can be loud and confusing, and arrows can pierce our shields. We can get disoriented in the heat of conflict and wander away from the base of faith. (1 Timothy 6:10) After those battles, shields may become warped and distorted. That's when we need to dive into God's Word. Hearing the Word produces faith, allowing us to repair the holes and dents in our shield. (Romans 10:17) Praying about the Word can refocus us and give us clearer vision.

So, perhaps the most important reason to keep our shield in good condition is that our level of faith impacts our decisions and our words. (James 2:17; 2 Cor. 4:13,18) Wandering away from God in confusion or taking hit after hit in battle weakens us. If we aren't careful, we can allow our relationship with God to weaken, as well.

If you need help walking through a time of faith-refining, remember that armies used to lock shields with other soldiers. Be honest with another Christian you trust. In the midst of combat, find a battle buddy who knows about faith and prayer and is wise enough not to use friendly fire.

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your Word.

Psalm 119:114