After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” (Gen 15,1)

God knew how Abram felt and what thoughts were running through his head. By entering the war, he aroused the hatred of the other side. He never wanted to get involved in local disputes but the situation eventually forced him to do so. Although they defeated the four conquering kings and chased them off, they were not dead - they could return and take revenge. In the world of that time, merciless revenge was an almost certain reaction to the caused harm. Abram realized that from now on he would have to live with the feeling that the invaders might appear at his tent. They would no longer perceive him as a wandering farmer chasing his flocks somewhere on heights, but as a war counterpart. And they will have good reason to take revenge on him.

And it was exactly then when God came to him again in revelation and said to him: "Fear nothing, Abram, I am your shield ..."

At that moment, in the presence of God, Abram was pervaded again by a deep peace. Inward peace, that was hard to explain, because it contradicted the situation around. The volatile thoughts, full of anxiety, returned to the riverbed of calm flow, and despite all that could ripple them, the impression stretched over them that his God was above all and would "not allow his foot to slip" (Ps 121:3). God addressed the greatest need Abram now had: the need for security. "I am your shield." I'm ready to defend you, you don't have to worry!