Psalms 5:11-12 – “But let all who take refuge in Thee be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And mayest Thou shelter them, That those who love Thy name may exult in Thee. 12 For it is Thou who dost bless the righteous man, O LORD, Thou dost surround him with favor as with a shield.”  NASB

I want us to take a brief look at the treasure that is embedded in these two verses.  In some of my most difficult times, this and verses like it provide an instant charge in my spirit and inspire me to move forward.  David said that he encouraged himself in the Lord and if we are to do the same passages such as this are essential.  Let’s take it one step at a time and hopefully in a few paragraphs we can mine the needed nugget of truth that will help us rise above whatever is trying to press us down. 

Refuge in God.

We are told repeatedly, in Scripture, to seek God and to set the Lord before us.  We are to focus on His Person as well as His Promises and Power.  It is in the relationship with Him that we find true victory and genuine peace. 

As I read this Psalm, I immediately think of Psalm 91 and Psalm 23 and focus on the provision of God to provide a shelter or refuge for us to run to in times of difficulty as well as in times of blessing.  Notice that the Psalmist follows the declaration that those who ‘take refuge’ in God are to be Glad. 

Wow!  You mean we are commanded and instructed to ‘be glad’?  How do we make that a reality?  Notice the second part of that instruction – “Let them ever (always) sing for joy.”  What happens when we begin to enter God’s presence with a genuine attitude and expression of Praise?  He shelters us. 

However, it is never just about us.  In the process of taking refuge in God and being sheltered in Him through Praise, we are empowered to exult Him.  I ask that you consider the KJV rendering – “But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. 12 For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.”  Also, consider the Amplified – “But let all who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice, Let them ever sing for joy; Because You cover and shelter them, let those who love Your name be joyful and exult in you. 121 For You, O LORD, bless the righteous man [the one who is in right standing with You]’ You surround him with favor as a shield.”

The shelter and refuge of God are so that we can bring honor to His Name and make Him known among the peoples.  In doing that we take the blessing of peace He gives us and administer it to those without peace.  We become tools of evangelism by our lives. 

The Shield of The Righteous…

The Psalmist expresses the reality that as God’s people focus on Him, enter into Praise unto Him, and exult His name we are Blessed by God.  We are Defended by God against all attacks.  We are surrounded by the Presence of God and the Favor of God as a Shield!

The devil accused God of putting a hedge around Job and protecting him.  God had done exactly that, and in this Psalm as well as in Psalm 91 and Psalm 23 we realize that the Promise of Matthew 6:33 becomes a present reality in our lives.  God becomes our Shield and Buckler.  He becomes a Sun and a Shield for Us.  He lifts our heads and gives us Protection and Peace.

What we need to do is take Refuge in God through Praise and Exultation of His Name.  We need to receive the Shield of God’s Protection and Peace.  We need to embrace the Blessing of God.  We do not earn it; it is a Free Gift of His Grace!

God bless you as you endeavor to become one who takes Refuge in God with overflowing Gladness and Joyful Singing.  May you learn to be Sheltered in His Presence!

Have a Great Day!