A lot of people (myself included) can be impatient. Waiting isn’t exactly our strong suit. But waiting for the LORD is so important. It speaks of our confidence in Him to act in our best interest in the best timing. It’s trust at its deepest level. We can be confident because He is our help and shield. The use of the word shield would have been meaningful to the original hearers of this Psalm, which was most likely chanted or sung in the tabernacle for worship. Shields were a standard part of military gear and acted as a protective barrier. God’s people don’t need a metal shield because we are protected by the Almighty God. He is our defense against the enemy’s darts. Have you noticed that “LORD” is all capped in this week’s verses? That is a reference to Yahweh, the Covenant God of Israel, who keeps His promises. He has promised to never leave nor forsake His own. We can trust Him, even when it seems as if things are falling apart. Circumstances do not change who He is. We can rest in the One who knows all, has command of all, and who will always be there. The final verse of Psalm 33 says, “May your faithful love rest on us, LORD, for we put our hope in you.” What a beautiful prayer. There’s no better place to put our hope than in our Creator.
