My Hiding Place and My Shield

Howdy All!
I know it's been too long since I last posted, but things are crazy here at the college! God has been blessing me so much lately, even amidst all the hustle and bustle of work, studies, and ministry. He's been so good to me! He has especially blessed me through His Word and that's what I want to address.

Last night, Pastor Sexton did something highly unusual. Instead of bringing a sermon, he took the time to read through the entire 119th Psalm, the longest chapter in the Bible. Instead of preaching, He allowed God's Word to speak for itself, and speak it did. I saw so much more than I had seen in this passage than ever before! Granted, I need to read it again and again, but It helped me so much. I praise the Lord for giving Pastor Sexton the wisdom to do that.

One verse that spoke to me specifically was verse 114. It says, "Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy Word." This is David speaking to the Lord. Over and over again, David refers to God in the Psalms as his hiding place or as his shield, but now the two names are side by side. This made me think about what these two names mean.

I started to compare the two in mind and this is what I came up with:
The Hiding Place is a place of calm.
The Shield is used in battle.
The Hiding Place is immovable.
The Shield can follow you, wherever you are.
The Hiding Place is a refuge.
The Shield is a protection.
The Hiding Place comforts you.
The Shield enables you.
The Hiding place is private.
The Shield is seen by all in battle.
The Hiding Place is where we run to.
The Shield is what we run with.
We dwell in the Hiding Place.
We cling to the Shield.

I know this is just a bunch of thoughts and it's not complete, but I hope it will be a blessing to anyone who reads it. God bless!

Your brother in Christ,
-Matt