The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He has helped me, and for that, I am filled with joy. I sing songs of praise to Him. The Lord protects His chosen ones; He saves them and grants them strength.
— Psalm 28:7-8 (ERV)

Strength is not needed in times of rest, nor is a shield required where there is no threat. The very existence of God as our strength and shield speaks to the nature of our journey in this world. It is easy to praise God on the mountaintops, but will we continue to praise Him in the valleys? It’s simple to offer thanks when we are unshackled and unharmed, but can we still lift our voices in worship during our prison moments and times of suffering? It’s pleasant to praise Him on sunlit days, but do we remember to worship when storms rage and darkness surrounds us?

True freedom resides within us, rooted in what Jesus has accomplished for us. It is not determined by our external circumstances but by our inward trust. This freedom is the ability to survive in the lion’s den, to find protection in the fiery furnace, to draw strength during treacherous travels, to muster courage while facing giants, to trust when provisions seem absent, and to hold on to hope amidst despair. It is a strength that declares, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him! Even when I don’t understand my plight, my praise and allegiance belong to Him! Regardless of my situation, be it good or bad, I will still my heart before the Almighty and draw my strength from Him! He is the glory and lifter of my head! He is the King of my heart! He is my strength and my song! He is my salvation!”

He has helped me, and thus, I am happy. He has saved me, and I am safe. He has forgiven me, and I am no longer condemned. He has pulled me from darkness and given me light. While we may not always comprehend His ways, we should consistently cultivate gratitude.

There is a worship song we used to sing, and its chorus resonates deeply:

“I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about You,
It’s all about You, Jesus.
I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it
When it’s all about You,
It’s all about You, Jesus.”

NEVER FORGET WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT! NEVER EVER FORGET WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR US! If you need to, come back to that place of remembrance. He is waiting for you.