“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3
It is difficult in the valley, as so many are going through at this time. Sometimes, the pain can be overwhelming, whether the pain is physical, emotional, mental, or even spiritual. The pain is supposed to grow us, but sometimes it is a challenge to get past it.
The wonderful news for believers is that we have a God who loves us so much. He proves it every day. “He demonstrates His love toward us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) We don’t have to walk this pathway alone. We have The Guide to carry us through.
When we look at Psalm 3, we find that David is on the run from his son, Absalom when Absalom is trying to take the throne away from his father. This was a low point in David’s life, and a time of great anguish. Betrayal is a brutal enemy to overcome. For David, the betrayer who led the charge was his own flesh and blood, his own son. What great pain this had to be for David.
Yet, in Psalm 3:3, we find a testimony to the encouragement that can only come from our Father. We see that God is a shield for us. He promises to walk with us, to place a hedge of protection around us, to never leave us or forsake us. While the troubles may still be swirling around us, we need to realize that God is greater than the storm. He is the only One who can bring us through.
Allow God to lift up your weary head. Fall upon His ultimate mercy and grace. Be honest with your pain. He already knows the pain and the difficulty that is surrounding your situation. Know that His love for you will not change.
I think of Elijah in 1 Kings 19. He had just defeated the prophets of Baal and celebrated a great victory in the preceding chapter, and then the bottom falls out of his life and he flees from the wicked Jezebel. He is so despondent in 1 Kings 19:4, that he even asked God to take his life. He says, ‘it is enough now, O Lord, take away my life.” Elijah didn’t want to go forward, he just wanted to curl up somewhere and literally die.
So, what did God do? He got Elijah away for rest and nourishment. He sent him help in the person of Elisha, who helped Elijah to regain hope, and to know that he wasn’t alone. Our God was there for him and would provide for him.
This is our same God. No matter the crises, He is big enough. Allow God to be your shield and the lifter of your head as He works to restore you.
Pastor Max Mathis
Image Credit: Unsplash
