Bible Reading: Judges 19; Acts 23; Jeremiah 33; Psalms 3 & 4
Psalms 3:3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
As David fled from his son Absalom and the rebellion that he was leading David prayed this Psalm to the LORD. It seemed that David was going to be uprooted from his kingdom and Absalom and his followers would be successful in their cu against him. There were many enemies of David all around him. Even some of his close friends and counselors abandoned him and joined themselves to Absalom.
Psalms 3:2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God.
During this difficult time, David cried out to God. That is the answer! Any time you and I face an overwhelming situation, prayer is the answer. David acknowledged three aspects of God's character that he was trusting in and that brought great peace to his soul.
God is a shield. A warrior needs a shield to divert the attacks of the enemy. Just as God had promised Abraham long ago, David knew that God was his shield.
Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
With God as your shield, you don't have to fear the attacks of the enemy. The shield will keep you from the enemy's attacks.
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
God is his glory. David did not have to seek to glorify himself. Absalom was trying really hard to do just that. He tried to gather people around him. But David knew that his life was to bring glory to God and not to himself.
1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Glorifying God means that I don't have to try to draw attention to myself. I must live a life of faith and obedience and give God all the glory. If I have victory, it was because he gave it to me!
God is the lifter up of David's head. Depression can set in when you face difficult times. Many people deal with despondency and disappointment. David did not turn to men to try to be encouraged. He turned to God. God would be the one who lifted up his head and encouraged his heart to 'keep on keepin' on!' Isn't it amazing that in such a difficult situation, David turned to God and he prayed trusting in these facts about God that he knew so well? You too can know God in this way. Jesus is a shield, our glory and the lifter up of our heads!
In Christ,
Rody
