Shielded by the Almighty!

Scripture:

God! Look! Enemies past counting! Enemies sprouting like mushrooms…
   
But you, God, shield me on all sides;
   You ground my feet, you lift my head high;
   With all my might I shout up to God,
   His answers thunder from the holy mountain.   -Psalm 3:1,3 

Observation:

Surrounded! David’s fear is evident as he begins his song identifying that the enemies surround him and they sprout like mushrooms.  Mushrooms have the capability to sprout rapidly, and are particularly fast-growing, especially in dark, damp locations. And the darkness has taken over as Absalom- David’s very own son- seeks him out in vengeance. I can sense the panic and feelings of betrayal in David’s words as I read the first 2 scriptures of this Psalm. But David realises the only protection he has is in the presence of God, protected on every side. God provides the sure footing and having been downcast over the situation can now lift his head with praise and victory… For he is shielded by the almighty!

Application:

Now I can’t identify totally with David… my enemy doesn’t look the same.  My enemy is thoughts, doubts and insecurities that spout like mushrooms in my mind. Sometimes all that is needed is a doubt the size of a seed to sprout and roar mockery and rapidly take over my thought life… and then I am surrounded! I need to be vigilant in bringing my heart, mind and soul under the Lordship of Christ every day.  Experiencing His presence in my life is like a shield on every side, grounding my feet and lifting my head high.

Prayer:

Father today I ask you to renew my mind. Surround me. Shatter the thoughts of doubt and insecurity that may be there in seed form. I submit every thought, desire and dream under your authority. Thank you that you lift my head high and you ask that I lift my eyes to see you- the King of all Glory; the Almighty.  I so need your ‘God’s-eye-view’ When those times come when my enemies sprout like mushrooms… remind me of this… that I am shielded by the almighty.  Amen

Hayley Stirling