Today’s reading is Psalm 3.
It’s one of my favorite songs: “Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me. You’re my glory. You’re the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3 is the basis of that song. But think about when David is writing that. The heading doesn’t say “When David was marching back into Jerusalem after Absalom’s rebellion.” It doesn’t say, “When David mourned Absalom’s death.” It doesn’t say, “When God defeated Absalom.” The heading says, “A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.” David is on the retreat. Shimei is cursing him. In fact, many “Shimeis” are cursing David. David seems to have no defense. Remember, he isn’t digging in and fighting. He’s fleeing Jerusalem. He’s giving up the ship. But even in that moment, what does David believe. “You, O Lord, are my shield.” It’s one thing to say that while sitting safely in your palace. Its one thing to sing that after the victory has been won. It is truly a different thing to claim that while the battle is raging and you are fleeing for your life. “God, I don’t know how You are going to do it. To everyone else in the world, it looks like I’m defeated. Honestly, right now, I kind of feel defeated. But I know this. You are my shield. You are my salvation. I’m just going to do what You say.” That is when we need to sing this song. Praise the Lord!
Tomorrow’s reading is Psalm 3.
A Word for Our Kids
Hey kids, have you ever sung the song “Shield About Me”? Isn’t that a great song? When you read Psalm 3:3, did you catch that is where the beautiful song comes from? In fact, as we read the psalms, you will likely discover that many of our best songs are inspired by the psalms. When you notice a psalm that sounds like one of the songs we sing, pay careful attention. What does the psalm actually say? Is that what I mean when I’m singing that song? Is that what I even think about while I’m singing the song? Paying close attention to these psalms will really improve your worship in song as it stems from a heart informed by God’s Word, not just your emotion in the moment.
PODCAST!!!
Click here to listen to the podcast episode that expands on this post!
Read the Bible 