Thursday 9th April
Read Psalm 3:3-4
But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
Having brought his burdens to the Lord David is then reminded of the character and actions of who he is speaking to. Do you remind yourself of God’s character and what he has done each time you pray; I think it is in the model prayer Jesus taught his disciple (Matt 6:9-14). There are three ‘descriptors’ of the Lord that relate to David’s burdens. Firstly, the Lord is a protector, a shield as first mentioned when God told Abram that He was his shield (Gen.15:1). It is an image used throughout the psalms; the Lord is our personal shield against ‘enemy’ attacks. Secondly the Lord is our glory, highlighting the comparative unimportance of our earthly esteem which is always transient and fickle (Kidner). Irrespective of what happens into the future we are valued by God. Thirdly, God will “lift up my head” which is shorthand for restoration of someone who is cast down in dignity and position. It is a recognition that God is the restorer of our joy; He is the one who humbles the proud but lifts the humble who cry out to Him, bringing joy to those He restores.
Geoff Hinch
