We are pausing our study of 2 Nephi this week, but keep an eye out for chapter 7 after the GMBA Campout.

“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shall thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:4.

As I read this verse one morning, I had no idea what an impact it would have on what transpired that day.

I was troubled about a job issue, and I sought the Lord’s direction. I had even started to look for a new job, but the Lord told me to go where I made a difference. I knew this meant to continue teaching in the school where I currently teach because, in addition to teaching elementary students, I administer to their other needs, such as social, emotional, and physical. I cried to the Lord, “Then, I need your help!”

Well, after a few days, I read the above scripture one morning and went to work. I was called into a meeting, and the issue resolved itself better than I expected. I knew the Lord covered me with His wings.

That morning when reading the passage, I recalled the word “buckler.” Well, I looked it up, and it appears in the King James translation of the Bible about 12 times. Whenever I read something that is repeated, I always feel that it is an important message, just as when I repeat things so my students imprint it into their memories. I feel that God is imprinting this term into my memory for a purpose.

In doing some research, here is one meaning of the word, buckler: a small shield held by the fist or forearm that is portable and about 8 to 15 inches in diameter.

What I find most interesting is that a buckler is used along with a sword in hand-to-hand sword combat. The physical buckler is too small to ward off the arrows of the enemy. It needs to be used with a sword. As defined in the Christian armor of God, the Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. With the Lord as my buckler, and having armed myself with the Sword of the Spirit that very morning, it is no wonder that I claimed victory over the issue that the enemy tried so hard to discourage me with.

A few years ago, while attending a bible study, I came across the term “buckler” for the first time in Psalm 18:2: “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”

Also, buckler is mentioned as a part of warfare combined with the sword as follows in 1 Chronicles 5:18: “The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war.”

Once again, notice a buckler and sword are used as companions.

In retrospect, even though issues of life can seem like battles, the Lord promises me that with His shield combined with the Sword of the Spirit, the word of God, I can have victory. I am thankful that His promises are true, for under his wings I am covered, and His truth is my shield and buckler.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.