Psalm 3:1-3, “(A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.) 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. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.”
David is fleeing from a massive army, sent by his own son, Absalom. Those around David were writing David’s situation off as hopeless. And yet, as he had in the past, David successfully overcame his enemies’ threats and taunts by trusting in the Lord.
He addresses the Lord as a shield around him, his glory, and the lifter up of his head. Just as a shield protects a warrior from swords, arrows, darts, and spears, so David envisions the Lord protecting him from his enemies. This is the same confidence David expressed as a youth when he confronted Goliath. At that time, he called out to Goliath, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand…for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:45–47).
The Lord was David’s boast, and David fully expected Him to restore him to his position as king of Israel. What confidence do you have in God to deliver you out of your troubles? Do you trust Him even when others say it’s time to throw in the towel? Fear holds us back and keeps us looking over our shoulders. Trusting God allows us not to be paralyzed but to move forward under His protective cover.
