Lord, how they have increased that trouble me! Many are they
that rise up against me! Many there be that 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. (Psalm 3:1-3,
KJ21)
There is much in life that can come against us. The battles
can be inside of us with endless torrents of distresses, confusion and anxieties
coming like menacing hordes overpowering our hearts with emotions and our minds
with raging thoughts. The battles can
come from stresses related to health issues and family interactions and commitments.
These internal battles can come from or in response to our performances and
obligations in roles and relationships related to our work and careers. The battles can be old coming from regretful
actions and lingering consequences and the battles can be new ambushing us when
we least expect them.
Real battles can also come against us from real enemies.
Literal enemies that would wish to hurt, maim and even destroy us physically, emotionally,
financially or by reputation. These combatant enemies can be individuals, or social,
societal and even governmental entities but their intentions are always
similar. They desire possession of your
place and position and revenge, retaliation and damage drives their actions.
King David faced both the surging internal battles in his heart
and mind and countless literal external intentional actions by enemies near and
far bent on his destruction and the taking of his kingdom.
David offers the hope of a shield that would encompass
protection from all that was coming against him both from the inside pressures
and anxieties and from the literal battles with his enemies, wishing to destroy
him. His only hope rested in the mighty shield of the Almighty God protecting
him from all realms and all enemies that would come against him. In the midst
of all that came against him, David knew and trusted that His Lord would come
to him and fight for him. The Lord was David’s only glory and his only hope
rested only in God alone.
We may face different pressures and anxieties than David
faced and we may never face literal enemies bent on our destruction but we have
the same Deliverer who protects us with an all-encompassing shield against all
that would come against us. To the Lord alone we give all glory for He alone delivers
us from all that would come against us.
He is the only true hope for strength, peace and deliverance from all
that would come against us.
Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your
people! Selah (Psalm 3:8, ESV)
Suggested Reading … Psalm 3
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