READ: Psalm 3
“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” Psalm 3:3
Where do you find your significance?
The Hebrew word for glory actually means “weight” or “significance.” Some people find their significance in their bank accounts, appearance, or skills. David challenges this notion; He finds his significance in God. While there were many people with more skills or money, David knew that he had God on his side. That was all he needed.
David didn’t just find his significance in God. He found his security in Him, as well. He uses the metaphor of a shield around him. There were two types of shields in the ancient Near East. One was a full-body, tank-like shield, and the other was a small, tactical shield. The former, full-body shield was the safest place you could be during warfare. It would block arrows and spears. God is our shield, which means He is our security.
A shield is interesting. It doesn’t prevent bad things from happening; it protects you when bad things happen. If you’re carrying a shield, then you are already in a fight. I love that the Psalmist calls God a shield. It suggests that God won’t prevent bad things from happening to you, but He’ll certainly protect you when they happen.
Where do you find your security? In your finances? In your friends? In your fiancé? All of these things are great, but they can easily let you down. Never seek security in something that can be shattered. Never seek significance in anything that isn’t eternal.
Strive to find your security and significance in Him— and Him alone.