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Day 21

"But You, O LORD, are a shield for me..."

Day 21 – Psalm 3

“But You, O LORD, are a shield for me…” Psalm 3:3a

EXERCISING FAITH IN GOD

This was not the first time David fled for his life. Before he was installed as king over Israel, he had to flee from his adversary, King Saul. The old lessons of faith were recalled and put to good use. How should he respond to this problem of insurrection from his enemies? David chose to exercise his faith in God!

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

1. The LORD as a Shield

a) The imagery of a Shield conveys the thought of protection.
b) David would exercise his faith in God as his Protector.

2. The LORD as his “Glory”

a) The word “glory” is used appropriately.
b) There was “glory” in being king of Israel.
c) It was God who made him king and with that title came the glory.
d) But more than earthly glory, God Himself would be his most treasured “glory”.

3. The LORD as “The One who lifts up (his) head”

a) This imagery depicts God as the One who would vindicate David.
b) God would vindicate David before the whole nation of Israel in due time.

FAITH AND HOPE

Faith and hope are two sides of the same coin!

1. Faith speaks of belief in the heart

David expressed great faith that God would both protect and deliver him in due time. Faith must remain strong amidst troubles!

2. “Hope” means “to look forward to a positive outcome”

However, David knew that he must also look forward with hope in his heart towards the day when God would lift up his head. The hope that God would vindicate him kept his heart from sinking with despair.