But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
Psalms 3:3 NIV
Psalm 3 was written during one of the darkest moments of David’s life. His own son, Absalom, conspired to overthrow him (2 Samuel 15). David, a seasoned warrior and king, had every earthly advantage. He commanded armies, trusted officers, and held the authority to crush the revolt with little effort. From a human perspective, the outcome seemed certain—David could defend his throne with sheer power.
Yet he chose another path. Instead of retaliating, he gathered those with him and left Jerusalem. He said to his officials, ‘Come, we must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom… He will quickly overtake us, bring ruin on us, and put the city to the sword’ (2 Samuel 15:14). Though his officers stood ready to fight, David set his heart on trusting God, not on clinging to the throne by force.
When the ark of the covenant accompanied the procession, David’s surrender became clear. He told Zadok the priest, ‘Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favour in the Lord’s eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. But if he says, “I am not pleased with you,” then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him’ (2 Samuel 15:25–26). These were not the words of a man defeated by his son but of a king who yielded fully to the will of God.
David’s withdrawal came not from fear but from faith. He stepped back, not because he was weak, but because he trusted that God’s strength was greater than his own. By refusing to fight for himself, he gave God room to act on his behalf.
This heart of trust flows through Psalm 3. David cried out:
‘LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me. Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I have cried out to you, Yahweh, from your holy presence. You send me a Father’s help. Pause in his presence So now I’ll lie down and sleep like a baby— then I’ll awake in safety, for you surround me with your glory. Even though ten thousand dark powers prowl around me, I won’t be afraid. Arise, LORD! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.’
David knew that neither strength nor rank nor numbers could guarantee victory. His confidence rested not in resources but in the Lord, who shielded, sustained, and delivered him. Even while fleeing, he clung to the truth that God alone was his glory and the lifter of his head.
This is the lesson God calls us to embrace. He seeks men and women who trust Him above their own abilities, titles, or resources. He invites us to surrender completely—even when we feel capable of handling the battle ourselves. Victory and deliverance do not come through human power but through God’s hand at work in our lives.
Living It Out
Where in your life are you tempted to fight in your own strength? Pause and invite God to take His rightful place as your shield and sustainer. Surrender the outcome to Him, and like David, declare your trust: “But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high” (Psalm 3:3).