For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity. Psalm 84:11 NASB
If you’ve read any of this blog, you’re probably very aware that I am one of those people who believe in grace – my God superabounds (I Timothy 1:12-17). Some might say that I take grace too far. It’s funny because I think I haven’t even scratched the surface on just how far we should take God’s grace. Some hold a thimble of water and say that’s the amount of grace we have. Others hold a 5-gallon bucket full of water and claim that to be how much grace God provided. I’m not a thimble girl, but I’m not so sure about the size of the bucket in my hands… but I’m anticipating that we’re actually sitting in a boat and the unending sea we’re surrounded by is the true representation of our Father’s grace that’s for us.
I believe that God is so much better than we give Him credit for. Out of curiosity, can anyone tell me why we seem to get so wrapped up in trying to prove that God is not really that good? It seems like a good idea. Let’s try to show that God isn’t really that good… that when Jesus died a horrific death, it wasn’t enough. How many out there think they need Jesus now?
The verse above, Psalm 84:11, is so beautiful! God is our sun and shield, gives us grace and glory, withholds no good thing… and then there seems to be a catch. This verse is a prime example of how legalistic works sneaks its way in where it should never be – our relationship with our Father. It’s easy to see how it can be taught that in order for God to bless us, we have to perform, but it’s also extremely easy to see how we could never earn our salvation. Can you imagine how Romans 5:1-2 would read if we didn’t have a Savior?
Therefore, because we have no hope of being justified by our we-don’t-need-a-Savior good deeds, we will never have peace with God through our awesome obedience, through which we also will never obtain our introduction by our own perfection into an earned position in which to stand; and we have no success to celebrate in the presence of the glory of God because without a Savior, we’re doomed. Romans 5:1-2 What-Legalism-Really-Offers-Version
If you didn’t catch the tiniest bit of sarcasm, the part in Psalm 84:11 that seems to point towards receiving rewards (only if you’re walking in integrity) actually has nothing to do with legalistic performance-based salvation. My husband recently used the example of a jumping requirement. If, in order to receive all the promises of God found in His Word, we have to jump straight up 30 feet in the air, then we will all fall short – literally and figuratively. If it were possible to walk in integrity perfectly, then we would be able to earn our salvation, too.
Naturally, this made me want to look a bit more closely at this verse. As I read and reread this passage, I checked out multiple different translations, cross-references, and how it was translated from the original Hebrew. After all of that, I think I’ve once again found my favorite verse. Okay, so it’s my favorite till tomorrow.
This verse tells us that the Lord is our source of life, joy, truth and wisdom. Jesus spoke about being the Light of the world (John 8:12), and then He told us that we’re to be the carriers of His light for the world to see (Matthew 5:14-16). That’s a pretty serious charge – to be a carrier of His light to the world. And we’re also told that we’ll often be met with persecution (II Timothy 3:12), hence the reason He knew we’d need Him to also be our shield. When I looked at the cross-references for shield, all of them had 3 words in common: do not fear (Genesis 15:1, Genesis 21:17, Genesis 26:24, and Isaiah 41:10).
That’s pretty stinkin’ good stuff! Our Father is our life, joy, truth, wisdom, and our shield. But remember – I believe that God superabounds, and you’ll see that He doesn’t stop with being our light and shield.
God gives us grace. Mm. This use of grace is from the Hebrew word chen (Strong’s H2580) and means favor, grace, acceptance, and unmerited favor or regard in God’s sight. It goes on in meaning (superabounds). It also means a special standing or privilege with God. Well, anyone else think that’s over and beyond all that we could possibly need? But God isn’t a cheapskate and He’s in the business of lavishing those He loves – He superabounds, remember?
The English language doesn’t do a whole lot of favors for us when it comes to interpreting scriptures. When I read the word glory in anything, I immediately start picturing brightly shining angels, heavenly music in the background, and rich splendor. I could go with part of the definition that describes glory as honor and majesty and even wealth – but I’m not sure I would have the word dignity come to mind when I read the word glory. But God is also in the details.
And now we come to the part that has the hook. …He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity. I can get pretty sensitive when it comes to legalism in my relationship with God. As I think about only receiving if I perform perfectly, I go into a performance-based panic. The burden of performance is not just too heavy – it’s backbreaking. This is the heart behind my digging – to expose the goodness of God that is hidden behind assumed legalistic expectations.
What I uncovered in the cross-referencing here is absolutely beautiful. But first, I want you to know that there is another meaning to share with you. This meaning is for good thing. It’s used as a noun in this verse and means anything good. That’s kind of vague with the possibilities listed as endless, but when I read further, it references what God called His creation – good.
In my cross-referencing, I found that to walk with integrity has its foundation in trusting God, recognizing His majesty and power, and showing Him reverence. According to Psalm 34:10, anyone who seeks the Lord will not want for anything. When we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (not your own – that’s like filthy rags!), good things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33).
This verse isn’t about sticks and carrots, incentives that lead to religious abuse. It’s a beautiful verse that holds a promise for those who have placed their hope in God. Alone, we will never walk in integrity perfectly, but even when we mess up, we’re still walking with the One who clothed us in His righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).
See? My God – my Father – superabounds. He did it all for me and I’m simply called to trust Him.
For the Lord is my life, joy, truth and wisdom who also is my protector who consoles me to not fear. He gives me favor and acceptance that I didn’t earn so that I can boldly stand with dignity in His presence. I trust Him and He doesn’t hold back His supply of good things – He sees the righteousness of His Son covering me and cannot disown Himself.
While that is not an approved translation of the Bible and I am not going to tell you it is, this is what I receive when reading Psalm 84:11. I pray that your takeaway today is the wonder that is our God. In what ways has He superabounded for you?