But Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the Lord with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me. Psalm 3:3-5
These days I want some good news. You too??
This year, 2020, started out a bit rough and has continued to be one unhappy event after another. It feels so unending. I want some good news. I want to feel a little peace.
So I started reading in the Psalms. It’s one of my favorite places to go when my heart is a mess. David is so transparent about what he’s feeling and we get to look into his honest conversations with God.
These conversations mean so much to me! They’re real. They show struggle and overwhelming joy. Every emotion – every devastating moment – every tear – every dance. It’s all there and you and I get to experience what David wrote on the page.
Today I looked at Psalm 3 but was particularly drawn to verses 3-5.
This day, I need to be reminded that God is my shield. The world is out of control, but God is protecting me. My heart has been up and down, but His shield guards me. Knowing that gives me courage to face another day.
But I still have my head down sometimes. You know, life can still feel like too much. My heart may feel more courageous behind the shield, but my head is still heavy. That’s why I’m so grateful for the next part of verse 3. God lifts my head.
The lifting of my head reminds me I’m a daughter of the King. I’m His princess. He lifts my head so He can see my face. And I can see His face too. his gaze is tender, encouraging and joyful. I have nothing to fear as I look up.
He has heard my cries to Him. He knows – He sees – He hears. And He answers. (verse 4)
Because He’s my shield and lifter of my head, because He hears me and answers, I can peacefully sleep.
Everyone wants to experience verse 5. Right?? “I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.”
Wow – peaceful sleep because I have nothing to fear. Peaceful sleep knowing when I awake God will sustain me. He will help me face the new day.
2020 isn’t done. There may be a few more twists and turns. But for today – this moment right now – my heart is encouraged. And when I need to cry out to Him again, He will hear me.
How thankful I am for the Psalms! God’s word is simply the best and the Psalms do more for my heart than any Netflix movie every could.
If you need some good news or encouragement, check out Psalm 3. It’s just one petal in a vast floral arrangement that is the Psalms. Look closely there and find help, comfort, protection and peace.
Peace & Blessings……………………………..