Sun and Shield

Sun and Shield

by Paula McBride

The dermatology appointment is nearing its conclusion, and I brace myself for the dreaded question: “Do you use sunscreen?” For me to tell the whole truth would require a lengthy explanation, and I do use sunscreen when needed, so my answer is just a mumbled, “Sure.”

The longer explanation is that I believe there are benefits to be had from exposure to natural sunlight. For instance, when I was in Mexico, the mother of a jaundiced newborn brought her baby to lie in the light streaming in my trailer window. Exposure to sunlight brought healing to little Cynthia in just a few days. Appropriate exposure to sunlight is also associated with improving sleep, reducing stress, maintaining strong bones, fighting depression, and even aiding weight loss.

On the other hand, I am also aware of the damaging effects of overexposure to the sun. In addition to my own sunburns, I remember when my student was overlooked by chaperones monitoring sunscreen application on a Sunsplash field trip. Steven was not protected with sunscreen and came to school the following Monday with second degree burns on his shoulders. In my way of thinking, then, we need both exposure to natural sunlight and wisdom in using the “shield” sunscreen provides.

Perhaps the sun was shining brilliantly during a pilgrimage by the Sons of Korah when they wrote Psalm 84. In verse 11, the writer expresses, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor: no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Then, as now, the reader of these words can apply what we know of a literal sun and shield and their uses and effects to the metaphor that God is our sun and shield.

As our Sun, God is light. He is our sustenance, our healer, our joy, our burden bearer. Yet, as our righteousness, God is just. Misusing the gift of His light can bring correction, just as sunburn brings blisters. For the ancients, disobedience brought sun without rain and the discipline of drought.

As our shield, God is our protection, refuge, and help. The Sons of Korah needed both the sun and the shield as they journeyed toward the temple— the sun to show the way and a shield to ward off its perils. “Blessed are they who journey with such a convoy; the sunny and shady side of life are alike happy to them,” says one Bible commentary.

As we navigate the rest of our sunny summer, may we be mindful of the benefits of the sun, and of the Son. The Son of God is our All-In-One provision for both health and protection. The benediction that concludes Psalm 84 is for us, too. “Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you (vs 12)”.