“But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3
Devotion:
David contemplated his numerous adversaries in verses 1-2. He heard their disparaging remarks: “There is no salvation for him in God.” Tempted to despair, David shifted his focus in verse 3, saying, “But you…” He redirected his attention from his enemies and their deceitful words back to God. Three truths pierced through the falsehoods he encountered.
Firstly, David remembered that God was his shield. A shield provides covering and safety, allowing one to hide securely. This is who God is to His people.
Secondly, David recalled that God was his glory. God was his source of boasting and strength, and the assurance of David’s own glory. His adversaries could not diminish his glory because it resided in God Himself.
Lastly, David acknowledged God as the lifter of his head. With God, there is no cause for losing hope or despair. David knew where to turn when life wasn’t going his way.
While it’s crucial to recognize life’s challenges and confront the lies we encounter, the most important step lies in turning to the Lord—our shield, our glory, and the lifter of our heads.
Prayer:
Father, we remember how many times you have lifted our heads and raised our hearts from the depths. You are the best encourager. Why would we turn anywhere but to You?
Would you train our hearts to look to You in the midst of our challenges? We want looking to You to become instinctive. You are our hope, You are our boast, and You are our strength.
You see every temptation we face. You know every place in which we are susceptible to discouragement. Please Lord, keep us safe and hold us close to You. All our glory is in You. In Jesus’ name, we worship and pray.
Amen.
