The Shields of the Soul

‘‘ The shields of the earth belong unto God.” — Psa.m xlvii. 9.

Taw fine protectives are the gifts of God. All that is spiritually defensive and sanative is the bounty of His grace. He holds in His hand everything that preserves the inner life from the invasion of disease, and keeps it strong, and sweet, and healthy. All the shields are His; and everything that is in any way a Shield of the soul can be found in His great armoury. We need not inquire elsewhere for the shields, nor need we seek elsewhere, for all such journeys will fail of their quest. Whatever shield we are lacking we can find in God. The armoury is not on the other side of the world: it is nearer than the doors of our own home.

Take, for instance, that very fine shield which we call “good spirits.”” That is a splendid shield for the soul, and it is a rare protective when circumstances are gloomy, and many are inclined to be morbid, and all sorts of deadly germs are in the air. Men and women travel round the world in search of good spirits. They visit lively healthresorts in hope that some spark of gaiety may kindle a cheery fire in their own souls. They visit countries where they hope the very novelty of their surroundings may stir the spirits into bright and happy expectation. They set out to find good spirits in travel. And often the journey is a very pathetic failure, and the weary pilgrim returns home under the weight of a heavier depression. Let him try a shorter journey. Let him inquire for the shield in the armoury of God. Good spirits are the gift of the Spirit, and in the energies of the Spirit we are defended against the pestilence that walketh in darkness. ‘“‘The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Or take the famous shield of love. There is none like it! ‘* Love endureth all things.” Nothing can break through the shield of love, and destroy the life that shelters behind it. The soul that wears this shield is gloriously immune. Where can we get the shield? What ethical store can provide it? What humanitarian cult can supply it? What do they hand across the counter when we ask for this defence? What society is there in the city which promises to brace and defend the soul with the shield of love? Every door at which we knock mocks our askings, and we turn empty away. Love is one of the shields of the Lord, and it is waiting for us as one of the gifts of His grace. “The fruit of the Spirit is love.”

And so it is with every shield that can protect the soul. They all belong unto God. We cannot buy them. We cannot have them as the prizes of long travels.

They are in God’s hands, and we must take them from Him. “But first,” said they, ‘let us go into the armoury. So they did: and when he came there they harnessed him from head to foot with what was of proof lest perhaps he should meet with assaults in the way. He being therefore thus accoutred, walked out with his friends to the gate.”