Held Up!

Held Up!

But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; My glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

Psalm 3:3 KJV

The Inspiration:

As you read the verses that come before the one above, you would think that the enemies of David were from other nations, or strong men who wanted to kill him. This was a man who had been blessed by God, and had been given kingship over Israel. He had success all around, and maybe due to comfort and success, he made a play for another man's wife, slept with her, killed the husband and then married the woman. God was angry with David, and he was punished. One thing God said that is so deep is that though Daivd did this evil in secret, the repercussions will be in the open. His own son Absalom made a tent on the roof and slept with all his father's wives and concubines before the eyes of all Israel. That is public humiliation, not by an external enemy, but by a son. This is the proof that sin has terrible consequences. It does not matter how the world tries to explain it away, or to call it by "convenient" names; if God calls it sin, it will be best if I also see and treat it as sin. 

The Contention:

Read the verses before the one above: "LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God". He was in trouble, mainly of his own making, but as is the nature of God, He does not cast a man away. As long as that man knows he is a sinner, and cries to God for help, there is a standing assurance that God will hear. If we all were to be dealt with by God according to our own righteousness  we will not survive his punishment. Even when I may deserve the punishment, God's mercy will not allow me to be destroyed. Even in the punishment of David for his sin, God still showed mercy, restored him to the kingdom, and even made the son of the same woman whom he committed adultery with to be the king of Israel after David. How do you explain that? 

The Conclusion:

God will always come through for all who call on Him. Don't wait until you are in trouble before you learn to call on Him. Make it a daily and regular habit to speak with God. Make a commitment to holy and righteous living, so that you can attract God's best to you. He cannot look on sin, but His love for the sinner is unparalleled and unbreakable. If I can make the approach, come to Him for help, He is more than able to take care of me. The verse above refers to him as a shield. He is able to keep safe for all eternity whatever is committed to Him. He is also called my glory and the lifter of my head. His presence in me cannot be hidden; even when everything around me is messed up, and everyone has abandoned me, God will never leave me. He is all I need for the journey before me. He will hold me up to the end, so I can arrive safely. God's time of favour is here.