Psalms 3:3 AMP
[3] But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory [and my honor], and the One who lifts my head.
This is one of the psalms of David, the man after God's own heart. It is interesting to note the circumstances that led to this song, as we see the background to several songs by the man David. I note that being called a man after God's own heart did not keep David from trials and tough times; in fact, God's hand upon him invited enemies against him. Let it be known that being backed up by God does not keep you from being tried by the devil. Jesus is the Son of God, but when he walked the earth as mortal man, the devil came after Him. How can we then expect that we will get a better deal? I must always keep reminding myaelf that the hand of God upon my life will keep me focused on Him, even whilst the drama goes on. This is where David found himself too: surrounded by enemies, and not the external type that could be easily conquered, but one from his own house, who was Absalom his son.
Read the words of David before the ones above: Lord, how my enemies have increased! Many are rising up against me. Many are saying of me, “There is no help [no salvation] for him in God.' Reflect on this: men had seen David in trouble, and rather than help him, they were gloating at his trouble. The enemy was even gloating to the extent of saying God had abandoned David. This means that they knew he was a child of, and a man loved by God. Can men see the hand or imprint of God upon my life? When the squeeze comes, what comes out of me? When things go wrong, as they must do at some point in time, no one stays with you like God would do. It is not always the fault of the people who leave: a man cannot give what he does not have. How can anyone give you eternal support when he cannot guarantee the next minute?
This is where this God comes in. When things fall apart, as they would usually do, do I know this God who steps in as a shield? Have I put my trust in Him as the only One who can help, or is He one of many options? One thing the verse above makes clear is that you do not say something so direct without a personal encounter with the God referred to here. How could David speak so boldly, if he had no current experience of God to speak of? As a shield, He is the One who steps up and stays in when others have stepped out. He is the One who has glory, and if He supports you, it does not matter what the quality and quantity of the opposition against you. He is more than enough for whatever it is that is coming my way. Even when depression or despair threatens, I take comfort from the God who lifts me up, and sustains His grace in my life. He is for me, and He is all I need. What of you? God's time of favour is here.
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