John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:114

"Thou art my hiding-place and my shield: I hope in thy word." — Psalms 119:114 (ASV)

Thou art my hiding place and my shield. The meaning is that the prophet, persuaded that the only way he could be safe was by lying hidden under the wings of God, confided in His promises and therefore feared nothing.

And assuredly, the first point is that the faithful should hold it as a settled principle that, amid the many dangers to which they are exposed, the preservation of their life is entirely due to the protection of God. This is so that they may be prompted to flee to Him and, leaning on His Word, may confidently wait for the deliverance He has promised.

This confidence, That God is our refuge and our shield, is undoubtedly derived from the Word. However, we must remember that there is a mutual relation here: when we have learned from the Word of God that we have a safe hiding place in Him, this truth is to be cherished and confirmed in our hearts, with an awareness of our absolute need for divine protection. Besides, although His power ought to be fully sufficient to inspire us with the hope of salvation, we should always set the Word before us, so that our faith may not fail when His aid is slow in coming.