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Confidence

The Florida Gators put together a memorable March Madness tournament as they clinched the national championship. Although they were ranked as a #1 seed, they trailed in multiple games late in the second half, including being down 6 to UConn, 9 to Auburn, and 12 to Houston in the final game. 

During the final media timeouts, which occurs when there are four minutes left, Florida seemed to find another gear in the form of senior guard Walter Clayton, Jr. Clayton stepped up throughout the tournament, making big shot after big shot. He was the epitome of clutch, the guy you want to have the ball in his hands when time is running out and you need a big play. 

The team had confidence in Clayton because he had confidence in himself. He is only human, and will certainly miss shots in the future, but I can’t help but think about someone who is even more faithful. 

Speaking of the Lord in Psalm 91, the anonymous author said, “He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler (v.4).”

The writer spoke of God’s faithfulness, a word that means dependable. We can have confidence in God that He will come through in the clutch. Sometimes He makes us wait until the clock is almost at all zeros, and we feel like we will be defeated, but He is a shield and a buckler. 

The shield was the handheld instrument of defense that deflected the sword, spears, and arrows of the enemy. This is the only time the word buckler appears in the Bible, and it literally means “wall.” Some believe God is a buckler in that He is a wall we can hide behind, and others think it speaks more of armor that was worn on the body, like a coat of mail. Whichever it means, God is our defense. We can trust Him with complete confidence that He will be there for us. 

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