Historically, the term shield is most commonly used in terms of war. The shield would protect the soldier from the weapons of his enemy. If used properly, it would literally save his life.
Likewise, in the underground utility and excavation industry, a shield (trench shield or trench box) is designed to protect and even save the life of those who properly use the shield.
Both the soldier and the underground worker must be within the covering of the shield to be protected.
Without the shield, we risk eventual death as a near certainty.
Basic trench safety and common sense tell us that we need the shield to keep the dirt from falling on us. When faced with that reality, the shield quickly becomes something we need, something we realize we must have.
The term shield is used in the Bible in a similar way. There are a number of verses that refer to the protection of God as being a shield.
“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
“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3
“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trusted Him with all my heart. He helped me, so I am happy. The Lord protects His chosen one. He saves him and gives him strength.” Psalm 28:7-8
In these passages, the shield is a metaphor for the lifesaving protection of God, often referred to as salvation.
“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16
It is through faith in Jesus that we find this protection.
Jesus Is the Shield of God
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17
The shield of God saves—that shield is Jesus. Put your faith in Jesus, and trust Him for your eternal salvation.