(Note: St. Augustine is famous for writing a book called “The Confessions,” which was written completely as a prayer to God. In the same spirit, I plan to write these posts as a prayer to God.)
“O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” (Psalm 3:1–3, ESV)
O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me…
Heavenly Father, Jesus told us we would have trials in this world. We know that full well. We find ourselves surrounded by enemies every day. There are people who falsely accuse us, mock us, attack us, spread gossip about us, who rise against us. Yet, our enemies are not only people. We are attacked by bodily pains that work to bring us down. We are attacked by diseases that spread across our land, causing sickness and death. We are attacked by loss of jobs and financial troubles. We are attacked by the weather as the wind blows and the rains come and bring destruction with them.
Yet, Father, even deeper than these external enemies, is the enemy within. We are attacked by our own sins and their consequences. We are attacked by our inner pains and sorrows. We are attacked by anxiety, fear, and doubt. We are attacked by depression, loneliness, and isolation. Jesus was right when he said, “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Mt 6:34).
…many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.”
Father, as we look at all the enemies coming against us, it can seem hopeless. We cry out, “Who could save us from all these foes?” Then, on top of it all, there are those who increase our pain by their mocking. As they mocked Jesus on the cross, they cry out in scorn, “Where is your God to save you now?” They find delight in pushing us deeper into despair.
Yet, Father, there is a part of us that wonders, “Will you really deliver us from all these enemies?” We see our own doubts lurking around in the dark corners of our being, causing us to question your deliverance. These enemies seem so great and powerful. They seem like enemies that can never be defeated—like they will continue to run rough-shod over our lives. Father, it’s hard for us to see past our current trials to your future deliverance. It’s difficult for us to lift our head beyond our current struggles and sorrow.
But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
But, You, Heavenly Father, are the one who lifts our head up. You are the one who lifts our head so we can see beyond our current trials and sorrows—to see your deliverance on the horizon. You are the one who pulls your people out of the miry pit and sets our feet on the rock.
Father, you are a shield that surrounds me—more than that, one who fights for me. You protect me on all sides. When I am attacked from those around me, you fight for me. When I am attacked from external things, you fend them off for me. When I am attacked from my sin and internal wrestling, Father, you fight for me there. You surround me with your protection.
Father, I believe these things, help my unbelief. I believe that you are the one who protects me on all sides, help me live each day in that belief. Strengthen that belief in my soul. Father, I believe that you are my glory, help me live each day with my eyes on your glory and not my own. Strengthen that belief in my soul. Father, I believe that you are the one who will lift my head above my current trials and struggling, help me live each day in that belief. Strengthen that belief in my soul.