“The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him” (Psalm 28:7 ESV).
David wrote this psalm, crying out to God for mercy and deliverance. His circumstances had driven him to prayer, but his confidence was not ultimately in a particular outcome. His confidence rested in the Lord Himself.
David declared that the Lord was both his “strength” and his “shield.” Strength portrayed God as the One who supplied the power David needed within. Shield portrayed God as the One who provided protection from the dangers surrounding him. God enabled David to endure the trial while also guarding him through it.
The word “heart” appeared twice: “my heart trusts” and “my heart exults.” This repetition emphasized the sincerity of David’s faith. He was not merely speaking correct theology with his lips. His whole inward being relied upon God. As David trusted, he experienced God’s help. As he experienced God’s help, his heart overflowed with vigorous joy. Prayer turned into praise, and inward rejoicing became outward thanksgiving.
We often ask God to remove our difficulties when He may first desire to strengthen us within them. Faith does not merely request help. Faith rests in who God is until prayer turns into praise.
We can trust the Lord before we know how our circumstances will turn out. He gives us courage when we feel weak, perseverance when we feel exhausted, and peace when we feel threatened. When He answers our prayers, we must not silently move on. Answered prayer should become acknowledged praise.
Let us look to the Lord as our power within and our protection without.
PRAYER: Dear Father, teach us to trust You with our whole hearts. Strengthen us in our weakness and shield us from every threat. Help us recognize Your answers and respond with joyful praise. May our hearts exult in You and our songs give thanks to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.