“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.”
(Psalm 3:3 ESV)
“How Many Are My Foes”
We have many reasons to “hang our head,” to look down in despair. The cares of this life are many (Luke 21:34), and external pressures and responsibilities abound. Even when the circumstances of our lives are pleasant, and we seem fine on the outside, our hearts may be downcast.
Is that you today? Are you downcast?
Those who trust in Jesus have an Enemy that strategizes how to discourage us (Psalm 3:1; Ephesians 6:11). Our own sin disheartens us, for we are not what we wish to be (Romans 7:19). The world tempts us, tests our faith in God’s Word, and assaults us with lies. How many are our foes! Many rise against us (Psalm 3:1)!
With this array of enemies lined up for battle, we stand opposite them. We know God is for us because we have trusted in Jesus and his work for the forgiveness of our sins (Romans 8:32). We know he is on our side. But our enemies whisper taunts, voicing what is so often our own fear: “There is no salvation for them in God” (Psalm 3:2 ESV).
So we hang our heads.
“But You O Lord Are a Shield About Me, My Glory”
Many, many years ago, a downtrodden soldier journaled these same feelings. He felt just like us. Until, truth flooded his soul and banished the darkness. Here is his hope from his experience, scrawled out by God’s Spirit for you.
“But you, O Lord are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” (Psalm 3:3 ESV)
In the face of opposition and oppression, Someone comes and stands between you and the enemy. He stands between you and the foe personally as a shield. He is your shield. And he is not foreboding and fearful like your enemies. He does not mock. He is not unkind. He is glorious and gentle.
“And the Lifter of My Head”
And as he stands between you and the enemy, what does he do? Does he blow past you and strike your enemies down? Eventually (Psalm 3:7). Does he flex his power and deliver you from the fight? Not initially (Psalm 3:8). What does he do first?
The Almighty, the King of kings, the Lord of heaven’s armies turns toward you—you whose head is downcast, whose brow is furrowed, whose heart is weak. He faces you, whose gaze is locked on the ground. He takes a knee. And with his own gentle hand, he touches your face, and lifts it up, no longer to hang in shame. He lifts up your head. And whenever the Lord lifts up our heads, what we behold is his own face—delighting in those who fear him (Psalm 147:11).
Friend, if you have put your faith in the Lord Jesus, and so belong to him, then this is how he responds to you when you hang your head in the heat of the battle. He attends to you, and aims first to show you that because of his love for you, you have every reason to hold your head high. Praise him for his glory and his tender mercy towards you today. Ask him to come and lift your head in today’s battle.