“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
— Psalm 28:7 (NIV)
Psalm 28:7 is a verse of strength, protection, and joyful praise. It reminds believers where their true power and safety come from—God alone. When life feels overwhelming, this verse offers a solid anchor.
God Is Our Strength
In this Psalm, David says, “The Lord is my strength.” David faced many trials—giants, battles, betrayal, and fear. Yet, he knew his strength didn’t come from his army, skill, or intelligence. It came from the Lord.
This same strength is offered to us. When we feel weak or unsure, we can lean on God's power.
Isaiah 40:29 – “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”
God Is Our Shield
David calls the Lord his “shield.” A shield protects in battle. It covers the body and absorbs blows. When we are under attack—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—God becomes our protector.
The Bible uses the image of a shield many times to show how God defends His people.
Proverbs 30:5 – “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”
Ephesians 6:16 – “Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”
Trust Leads to Help
David says, “My heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” Trust is more than belief—it’s leaning into God fully. When we do, He promises to help.
Trust is not always easy. Sometimes, we want to fix things ourselves. But true help comes when we release control and trust God’s timing and wisdom.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Joy That Overflows
Next, David says, “My heart leaps for joy.” This joy is not based on circumstance. It is a result of trust and God’s help. Even when life is hard, God’s faithfulness can spark real joy.
Joy doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means knowing God is with you no matter what.
Nehemiah 8:10 – “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him…”
Singing in Response
Finally, David says, “With my song I praise him.” Praise is our response to God’s help. When we remember how God has rescued us, praise flows from our lips.
Worship reminds us of who God is. It helps us shift our focus from fear to faith.
Psalm 100:2 – “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.”
Hebrews 13:15 – “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise…”
Summary Table
| Phrase in Psalm 28:7 | Meaning | Supporting Scripture |
|---|---|---|
| “The Lord is my strength” | God empowers us | Isaiah 40:29, 2 Corinthians 12:9 |
| “...and my shield” | God protects us | Proverbs 30:5, Ephesians 6:16 |
| “My heart trusts in him” | Faith leads to help | Proverbs 3:5-6 |
| “He helps me” | God is active in our lives | Psalm 121:1-2 |
| “My heart leaps for joy” | Joy comes from trusting God | Nehemiah 8:10, Romans 15:13 |
| “With my song I praise him” | Praise is our response to His help | Psalm 100:2, Hebrews 13:15 |
