Psalm 140:7 Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer,
    you shield my head in the day of battle.

This is linguistically a very interesting verse. Different translations render it differently. Most English translations say something about “day of battle,” or something similar, but the Japanese I use says, “the day I take up my weapons.” In that context, saying that “You shield my head,” or “covered my head,” is directly equivalent to saying, “You are my helmet.” The imagery of a “helmet of salvation” is used even in the New Testament. (Ephesians 6:17) Covering the head is also a sign of authority, or of submission to authority, as in crowns and the Jewish yarmulke. Here, it is God doing the covering, and David is simply receiving. Even today helmets are considered an essential item of battle gear, and they have saved countless lives. We need to receive the whole armor Paul talked about in Ephesians 6, knowing that in the world today, we are certainly in “the day of battle” every day, and stand up as God’s warriors for the sake of those around us, for His glory.

I spent two years in the US Army, courtesy of the draft, but by God’s grace I was sent to Hawaii rather than Vietnam. I am familiar with helmets, in that context and also in riding motorbikes. That said, I have been in far more dangerous situations spiritually than physically, and I must remember my spiritual covering at all times. As a missionary, I had a period of thankfully just a few years when I had no one regularly praying for me, and my focus went out the window. God had to deliver a strong Word of correction to me, and then take me away from Omura for four months to foster spiritual connections before bringing me back. Now, the Internet allows me to maintain communication with prayer warriors around the world, and I am grateful. I am also in the position of providing prayer covering for quite a few people, again, around the world. Physical distance makes no difference to God! I am to receive covering from others and provide it to others, recognizing that God is the ultimate source of all covering, and maintaining my full submission and obedience to Him.

Father, thank You for this reminder. I have two families that are under intense attack at this point, and several more that are in lesser danger. Help me be faithful in prayer, that they may be covered indeed and all the plans of the enemy be foiled, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!