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“But You, O LORD are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head.” Psalm 3:3

I don’t know about you, but it’s really easy (albeit, somewhat necessary) for me to keep my head down and just move forward through each day. I stay focused on the task at hand, from when my eyes open until they close again at night. And if I have no task, per se, my intentional efforts are to find distracting activity or amusement. (Picture those three monkeys, one covering its eyes, one its ears, and one its mouth…that about sums it all up.)

Because when I look around these days, I’m bombarded by fear mongering, mental and emotional assaults, unconscionable lies, and ludicrous irrationality—not to mention vitriolic hatred and divisiveness that is being purposefully generated.

The problem, though, with keeping our heads down in focused diversion, avoidance, and self-protection is that it can eventually lead to head-hanging discouragement. As believers, we know we are to keep our eyes on the Lord, acknowledging we are not of this world—we are citizens of heaven through the gracious gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. We know this, but oh, how challenging it can be sometimes to lift our eyes to the Father.

Praise God that He is the lifter of our heads when our chins seem heavily weighed down! When we are pressed in on every side and feeling stuck in the mire dredged up by the enemy, the Lord is our shield and rescuer! Psalm 3 is just one of the beautiful prayer-songs written by David eloquently expressing what we may not be able to—but need so desperately.

We can cry out to the Lord, as David does in this Psalm (and many others), saying, “Lord, enemies are rising up, surrounding me, telling me all is lost. But You, Lord, protect me. You lift my head, so I can keep my eyes on You. You give me peace, so I can rest at night. Each day, I know you’ll sustain me—I don’t have to fear men…what can they do to me, anyway? You are the Righteous Judge of all, my God, and You will strike down Your enemies. Salvation is of You, as well…and blessed are those who run to you for safety.”

Sisters, let’s not allow the enemy to discourage us. It’s his favorite and most effective tool, really. Remember, moment by moment, that the Lord is on His throne. Nothing is taking Him by surprise. Yes, our eyes must remain on Him—our Hope. But when you (and I) are so burdened and heavy-ladened that your view consists of dirt and rocks, cling to the Truth that God is the lifter of your head.

“Lord, You are the King of kings. Although the battle rages, You have won the war. Thank You for being the Strong Tower into which we can run and be safe. Thank You for keeping my chin up when, in my own power, I cannot.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life