FOR THE LORD GOD IS A SUN AND SHIELD;
THE LORD BESTOWS FAVOR AND HONOR.
NO GOOD THING DOES HE WITHHOLD
FROM THOSE WHO WALK UPRIGHTLY
— Psalm 84:11
The sun provides. A shield protects. For the Christian, God is both.
God lights up our lives with blessing, provision, and favor. He goes before. He makes a way. He gives vision. He offers encouragement. He fills us with good things. He meets our needs. He promises his presence.
We have a Sun now and forever. In the new heavens and the new earth, there is “no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and it’s lamp is the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:23)
God is also our shield. He leads us away from temptation. He delivers us from evil. He always provides a way out. He surrounds us. He dispatches his angels to look out for us. He offers us armor. He gives us faith, by which we can extinguish every flaming dart of the evil one.
When we were lost in sin and headed for hell, Jesus fell on the grenade. He absorbed the blast. He is the propitiation for our sins. The just judgment of God has been satisfied. Jesus bore it in his body on the cross. It is finished. It is done.
Condemnation, you don’t belong here. Accusation, you have no claim on me. Guilt and shame, remember the cross of Christ. I have a Shield.
The God of heaven bestows favor and honor. This is not a trade for our offerings. It’s not a prize we can earn. Favor and honor are gifts God bestows. God’s generous nature overflows into favor and honor and every good thing.
No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
God’s posture towards his children is to bless obedience and reward righteousness. These blessings do not always come in the ways we expect, nor in our timing as Job found out. But even when we can’t see it, God is a good father who is working all things together for our good.
What a wonder to have the God of heaven and earth offer himself as our Sun and Shield. Why would I not want to align my life with his word? That’s what Jesus did. Between the ages of 12 and 30 his life is summarized in one verse, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)
Wisdom. Stature. Favor. All increasing.
It’s a marvelous thought that God’s blessing is not on autopay, but responds to our real-time choices to seek a closer walk with him. As we draw near to God, he draws near to us. You and I can increase in favor with God.
What might be possible in your life if you grew in favor with God? Endurance might increase. Obedience might get easier. Prayers might be answered. Miracles might break out. The fruit of the Spirit might blossom. The flesh might be subdued. Evil might be overcome with good. The lost might be won.
When God is in the equation, anything is possible.
Father in heaven, thank you for being our Sun and Shield. Thank you for your provision and protection. Help us see you that way, draw near to you today and learn to walk uprightly by the power of your Holy Spirit in us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
© John Rinehart 2025
