You are a shield around me, O Lord;
You bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
To the Lord I cry aloud, 
and He answers me from His holy hill.
 
Psalm 3:3-4
 
 
 
Sometimes it’s good to be reminded that no matter what you’re facing in life God longs to be your shield-
 
Not just protecting you from the front but completely encircling you with His love and protection.
 
It’s also good to remember that even when we are surrounded by His unconditional love, life can still be painful.
 
That’s why I love this verse so much!!
 
God doesn’t just promise to protect us.
 
He promises to encourage us when we are feeling down.
 
I love the thought of God noticing when our hearts are hurting.
I love the thought of God literally lifting up the heads of those whose eyes are sad and low.
 
I can almost see Him reaching down and gently placing His hand below the chin of anyone who is discouraged, sad, rejected, broken, lonely, or defeated, and confused.
 
With the tenderness of a loving Father, He then lifts hurting hearts and empty eyes toward Him and says,
 
“Your glory is found in me.”
 
“I am all you need.”
 
“You are worth so much more than you could ever imagine.”
 
“I have your name engraved on the palm of My hand.”
 
“I began a good work in you, and I will be faithful to complete it.”
 
Yes, I believe today that God hears the cries of the hurting; 
and He offers hope.
 
He offers unconditional love.
 
If you feel discouraged today, cry out to Him.
 
Allow Him to reach down and lift your head towards Heaven.
 
We sang this song at Adrienne’s funeral twenty years ago, and it still speaks to me today.
 
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, 
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim-
in the light of His glory and grace.”
 
 
Have a wonderful Monday!