But thou, O LORD, art a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
Psalm 3:4
Some days it’s hard to lift up our heads, isn’t it? The world seems to beat us up such that we feel we can’t go on – but we can! We can go on because the Lord is the one who lifts our head. He is the one who becomes our shield so that none of Satan’s flaming arrows hit their mark. The Lord does all this and more, but He doesn’t do it against our will; it remains for us to call upon the name of the Lord. And, the moment we do, all the powers of Heaven lift us up, shield us from the evil one and give us the glorious victory in Jesus.
In Psalm 3 we read how King David was having one of those days when he couldn’t go on. He was troubled by the amount of evil that was formed against him (vs.1-3. David’s own son, Absalom was trying to kill him). Yet, as he laments the attempts upon his soul, he is reminded he has a protector. David knows that God will defend him against all evil, because he trusts in God’s faithfulness. Notice in verse 6 how David didn’t let his fears paralyze him. He laid down and went to sleep knowing the Lord would be with him.
Although the Psalm was written by David, it is written prophetically of Jesus. We can hear Christ in his humanity crying out to the Father (vs. 5) in His most difficult moments, knowing the leaders of the people were seeking to kill him. In verse 9 we can hear His affirmation – “Salvation is of the Lord. And Your blessing is upon your people”.
What are you going through right now? Are these difficult times for you personally as you struggle to understand things that are happening to you or to those close to you? If so, read Psalm 3 as a prayer of confidence as you cry out to the Lord. He will hear you. He is the one who lifts your head. Then tonight, lay down your head on your pillow and know… no evil formed against you will stand.
Shalom,
Pastor Brad
image credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/8444318026524191/