“But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain.” Psalm 3:3-4 (NIV)

They weren’t supposed to attend a country music festival and end up running for their lives.

He wasn’t supposed to take an anniversary trip with his beloved and end up shielding her from a bullet.

She wasn’t supposed to kiss her man in blue goodbye to protect and serve and end up never kissing him again.

She wasn’t supposed to be dancing and laughing with her best friend one minute and end up kneeling next to her lifeless body the next.

These things are not supposed to be.

I don’t have answers. I don't have explanations.

But I know the One who does.

The One who is “a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head” (Psalm 3:3a).

The One who promises that when darkness invades my happy space … when disaster turns my life upside down … when evil presses in on every side ... He will never leave me nor forsake me. He is always there.

His name is The Ancient of Days. (Daniel 7:9-10) The One who was, is and forever will be. (Hebrews 13:8)

The One who sent a young shepherd boy named David to speak words of hope we still need today.

"You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head … and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:45b-46a, 46c-47, NIV).

Our world is a scary place. Shootings. Riots. Explosions. Natural disasters. It feels as if danger and uncertainty lurk around every corner. We don't know what each day will hold. But, friend, we do know the One who holds our days.

We can be fearful and discouraged or we can be confident and encouraged. The choice is ours.

It matters where we fix our eyes and on whom we fix our hope.

God is our hope … our only true hope. (Psalm 62:5)

Run to the One who is your strength and your shield. (Psalm 28:7) The One who fights for you. (Exodus 14:14) The One whose presence will never leave you. Who will never forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

The name of the LORD is a strong tower to which we can run and are safe, even in the most desperate of circumstances. (Proverbs 18:10)

Whether He stills the storm or invites us in. Whether He moves the mountain or helps us climb it. He will be with us.

God is our Rock. (Psalm 18:2) His love is steadfast. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

It’s true. You and I don’t have all the answers. Google doesn’t have all the answers. But, we know the One Who does.

Pray this prayer with me (based on Psalm 3:2-6):

Thank You, Lord, that You are a shield around me,
    my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
I call out to You, Lord,
    and You answer me from Your holy mountain.

I lie down and sleep;
    I wake again, because You, O Lord, sustain me.
I will not fear though tens of thousands
    assail me on every side.

TRUTH FOR TODAY

Psalm 28:7a, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” (NIV)

RELATED RESOURCES

Have you ever felt like some emotions are off-limits? In the next First 5 study, When Words Fail, you’ll learn how to process what you’re feeling — whether it’s joy and peace or anger and bitterness — through reading the psalms. Study starts August 6. Click here to learn more!

We all have a story. We all have a message. We all have a perspective on life. A memoir is your opportunity to write about it. Sign up for FREE to get the 5-day devotion, "How to Write a Memoir in Eight Simple Steps," delivered straight to your email! You'll learn how to find your story, build your outline and more. Click here to sign up!

CONNECT

If you enjoyed today’s devotion, you’ll love the way Wendy Blight teaches how the very names of God reveal His character and heart. Get your copy of her Bible study, I Know His Name, in our bookstore.

Giveaway time! Join Wendy on her blog for a free resource, “Praying on the Armor of God” and a chance to win a copy of her Bible study, I Know His Name: Discovering Power in the Names of God.

REFLECT AND RESPOND

Which of today’s verses brings you comfort? Take a few minutes, sit with your Bible and read through these psalms and verses and allow the majesty and greatness of our God to wash over you.

In the comments below, we’d love for you to share with us which verse gave you comfort and what God is revealing to you through His Word.

© 2018 by Wendy Blight. All rights reserved.