Recently I made this graphical image of a “Shield” using Adobe Illustrator. It was my first attempt and I think it turned out OK. There are plenty of YouTube video tutorials that provide step by step instructions for objects like this and some of them are very good. I found this one most helpful. It wasn’t too technical but provided a nice enough result that I decided to use it for my site logo (at least for now).
As for the subject, I decided to use a shield because it represents so many different things. A type of “personal” armor, the shield is designed to protect the shield-bearer from wielding assaults, flying projectiles and to deflect blows from any attacker. It is a sign of strength, protection and even identification.
For the Christian it is a symbol spoken of as “the Shield Of Faith” by Paul in his letter to the Ephesians. His audience was very familiar with the various pieces of armor a Roman soldier would wear, including a breast-plate, belt, shoes and helmet. The shield was different than the other pieces of armor because it wasn’t worn but had to be actively moved and raised to defend. It was an intentional defense mechanism.
So, just as a soldier’s shield protects his physical body, Paul says that our shield of faith protects us from fiery darts thrown at us from the evil one. When we exercise our faith, lift up our shield and defend ourselves during attacks, God will defend us. Spiritual attacks such as when we don’t feel like God cares about us or when we are tempted to sin against God or even doubting God’s existence are just a couple of examples. In times like these we should remember His promises and His work and intentionally hold up our shield of faith. After all, He is the all powerful God who created everything! Many of us will have emotional and physical challenges in our lives. Remember, God knows this and will not give us more than we can endure. Consider them exercises to strengthen our faith so we can hold our shield higher and longer then before.
Psalms 18:2 – “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”