Psalm 18:30
This God– his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30
Before going to battle, a soldier practises their drills, checks and rechecks their weapon to make sure it will serve its purpose on the field. A policeman puts on his tactical vest and his bullet shield to push back a crowd during violent protests. A Christian lady in the rugby team knows she will be the plaything for other team members since she openly speaks out for the Lord. And she is only able to prepare adequately for the persecution by spending time with the Lord. Why is this? This is because her safety is the rock of ages; her salvation is taking refuge in Him.
The need for shelter is physical like the soldier, and the police trust their tools and spirit like the young lady. Since God’s way is perfect, it means it’s whole, completely lacking nothing. The more we walk on His way, the more we learn to surrender and obey His word. His word proves true and becomes a shield for all of us when we take refuge in him (Proverbs 30:5). This verse will often come along during tumultuous times to remind us that He is an anchor for us all. You can trust His word to shield you from the attacks of the enemy.
Surrendering To God
The truth that God’s word is perfect is an anchor. When it seems like your singleness has lasted longer than you thought it would or when you are labouring in a difficult job, and you are hoping for things to brighten up, and they don’t. The accuser of the brethren comes as he did in the garden, starts to whisper in your mind that maybe God’s way is not so perfect. It is during those times you need to surrender to God’s truth. Job loved God, but when tough times came, this unsettling came all over him. It’s almost as if he wanted God to account for how He was leading the world. (Job 13:3) He says this, “But I would speak to the Almighty and desire to argue my case with God.”
Built On The Word Of God
A life is surrendered to God when it is built on His word. The text in Psalms 18:30 says, “the word of the Lord proves true”. It makes you want to ask closely, what is God doing? Why is He allowing all these trials in your life? He is moving us away from our emotions and feelings to His word, which will never fail (Luke 1:37). This is why we do not walk on weak or new bridges. We like the roads with a few footprints on them because we love confirmation that it actually works. The promise of his word holds even when we do not understand it.
Our Refuge
The hardest part of a trial is not the trial but what is happening in the person’s heart. Through the moments of wrestling in our hearts, we must rely on God to shield us from the blows of the evil one. Fighting without a shield results in unbelief, bitterness, and discontentment creeping in. Brethren, let us answer the call to take refuge in the word of God and trust him. Let us hide in Jesus where there is protection (Psalm 18:2)
King James Version (KJV)
“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.”
New International Version (NIV)
“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.”
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
“This God—his way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”
New American Bible (NASB)
“As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the Lord is refined; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
“This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”
The Living Bible (TLB)
“What a God he is! How perfect in every way! All his promises prove true. He is a shield for everyone who hides behind him.”