He lifts our heads
But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high (Psalm 3:5)
David was in very serious trouble. Not only was he experiencing the heartbreak of betrayal from within his family, but the virus of treachery was spreading. Many were going over to Absalom’s side, and it was rumoured that David was under the judgement of God - a rumour that was eroding his confidence, as he began to wonder if his critics were right
(2 Sam 15:25-26). This crisis of confidence led David to seek prophetic assurance. And the psalm reveals that all of this political instability obviously threatened the unity of the nation, and so David asks for God’s continued blessing upon his people. Prayer that only ever focuses on us is selfish; prayer that refuses to include ourselves and our concerns is impersonal.
Yet in the midst of this David finds peace, and is able to sleep. To sleep during this time of vulnerability was an act of faith - it meant that he was not on his guard. So how does David manage this? One of the most beautiful word pictures of the Bible comes out of this time of extreme stress as David affirms that God is the ‘lifter of his head’. Instead of being downcast, his head hung low, David is able to declare that God is His source of genuine encouragement.
Perhaps like me, you’ve had some sleepless nights when anxiety robbed you of rest. Why not use this psalm as a night prayer, and when anxious thoughts trouble you, remember not only God’s power, but His personal care for you?