As I was reading Psalm 118 the other day, verse 14 stayed on my mind. It says, “The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”
This is the NIV version. Most versions translate as ‘song’ instead of ‘defense.’
But being the sports-minded person I am, this version made me stop and think about God as our defense.
Even though this verse and some others are also translated ‘song’ there are many other places where the Bible refers to God as our defense.
Psalm 31:2 says, “Bow down your ear to me. Deliver me speedily. Be to me a strong rock, a house of defense to save me.”
Psalm 84:11 says, “For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity.”
And Psalm 118:14 is a direct quote from Moses in Exodus 15:2 after being delivered from the Egyptian army at the Red Sea.
“The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.”
God is described over and over as our shield and defense. But it’s interesting He isn’t described as our offense.
Offense in sports is “the players or team unit responsible for attacking or scoring in a game.”
Everyone loves offense. Everyone loves to score. The Bible doesn’t refer to God as our offense, but I think it goes without saying.
Since we know God sent His Son to save us through death and resurrection, and we know we have been saved and redeemed through Him, we know we have victory if we are in Christ.
God is the ultimate offense!
So why is it important that God emphasizes He is our defense?
Over and over He is referred to as our shield and defender.
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I give thanks to Him with my song.
Psalm 28:7
As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.”
2 Samuel 22:31
“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”
Psalms 3:3
Defense is the “the act of protecting someone or something against attack” or in sports “the part of a team that tries to prevent the other team from scoring goals or points.”
Think about your favorite sport.
You can have the best offense and score a lot of points, maybe even win, but if you don’t have a good defense, you’re still going to get scored on (attacked).
With Christ, we know we’ve won, but God wants us to know He is with us to keep us from getting attacked.
Once we’re saved, we’re not exempt from the attacks of the devil. No, instead it puts a target on our backs. But God is our shield and our defense. He is going to help us and defend us until we’re with Him in Heaven.
Without Christ, your life may look good.
Your life may look like a series of scores.
Successful job.
Big house.
A lot of money.
You try to be a good person and make all the right decisions.
But eventually, you will not be able to withstand the attacks of the devil if you don’t have the strength of Christ.
You need a good defense.
But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
If you’re trying to have a good defense on your own, if you’re tired of fighting the attacks on every side, God is waiting and willing if you will surrender your life to Him.
Let God be your defense, and find rest in Him.
He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Psalm 91:4
