Psalm 3  Surrounded by adversaries, scoffed at by friends and strangers, David fled from his own son.  But, when they suggested that God had forsaken him, David knew better..."But Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me, my glory and the One who lifts my head." 

David called to the Lord and knew that He answered.  David was able to lay down and sleep in peace, for the Lord sustained him.  He was not afraid.  His testimony was sure.. "Salvation belongs to the Lord.." 

David took up the armor of the Lord.. holding that shield of faith without wavering in doubt.  We must do likewise.  We may not have physical adversaries.. we may not be scoffed at by others.. but our battle is just as real. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." 

Sometimes those forces try to tell us that God has forsaken us. Sometimes they make us doubt.. sometimes we are afraid.  It is then that we must take up our shields of faith..  and  put on truth.. like David did... and firmly proclaim. " You, O Lord, are a shield around me!  You are my glory! You lift my head!  Salvation belongs to You!"  Stand firm.. Paul writes.. and resist the enemies taunts. Take up the armor and trust the One who covers us with His righteous right Hand...who will never forsake us.. who "makes [us] lie down in green pastures".. who restores our souls.. and walks us through the valleys of shadows and even death.  "Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."  Proclaim it! Believe it!

Father, we hold on to Your promises and trust in You. All our days are in Your hands. You know us and will never forsake us. Thank You for this great reminder.  Some are facing daunting challenges today, Lord. They need Your peace. Cover them with Your hand and remind them that You are their shield today.  We pray this in the Name of our dear Savior, Jesus Christ, who abides in us and fills us with Your love. Amen.