My Shield

January 06, 2026

“But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3 (ESV)

To understand the power of this verse, we have to look at when David wrote it. He wasn't sitting in a peaceful palace; he was fleeing for his life from his own son, Absalom. Most of his friends had turned against him, and the whispers around him were that there is no salvation for him in God. David was facing a crisis of reputation, safety, and spirit. Yet, in the middle of the chaos, he shifts his focus from the size of his problem to the character of his Protector. The Scripture reminds us, but you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I encourage you today to remember that God is your shield, your glory, and the lifter of your head. David describes a shield that is about" or around him. This implies a 360-degree protection. When you feel attacked from all angles you didn't see coming, God is the barrier between you and the full force of the blow. When David fled, he lost his crown, his throne, and his dignity. He was humbled in the eyes of the world. But he reminds himself that his true worth doesn't come from his position as King; it comes from his relationship with God. When the world tries to shame you or strip away your identity, remember that your glory is found in Whose you are, not what you do. Shame and sorrow make us look down. When we are defeated, our chin drops to our chest. God doesn't just bark orders at us to cheer up. Like a gentle father, He reaches down, places His hand under our chin, and lifts our gaze back to Him. He restores our hope and our perspective. Today, you might feel like you are surrounded by many tasks, many worries, or many critics. In those moments remember that God is your shield, your glory and the lifter of your head.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for being everything I need when I need it. When life is rough, you are the one who protects me from the blows of the enemy. Thank you Lord, for being my shield, my glory, and the lifter of my head. Thank you for never giving up on me and loving me through it all. I love you Lord. In Jesus Name Amen.

Be Inspired, Rev. Dr. Stephen W. Pogue, Pastor
Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church
Mount Vernon, NY