But you, O Lord..

This passage from a day or two ago has struck me today more than I could have imagined. Reading it at the time I was like "Yeah! He is my shield, protecting me from outside stuff.." But today, today I see more truth and grace in this verse. 

In the midst of this struggle God kinda took me aside and wrapped His arms around me and calmed my heart. This verse in Psalms 3 isn't just a "protecting me from outside stuff" verse. He is protecting me from myself. 

I imagine myself on my knees bearing the weight of insecurity and doubt struggling to breathe. Then there He is, a shield around me, pushing back the voices and the hate, protecting His daughter from the lies and insecurities, shielding me from myself, and in His glory, lifting up my face to Him. To return to Him and Truth. He calms my heart and bring me peace in the midst of it all. Reminding me that I am worth far more than precious jewels. 

Whatever it is for you, whatever struggle and burden that is weighing you down. Ripping your heart from your chest, bringing you to your knees and causing you to struggle to survive, know that the Lord is there to shield you. He IS a shield for you, the One that we can glory in, and the One who will lift up your head. 

My friend, can I call you that?

We don't know too terribly much about each other at this point. But can I tell you something? 

I'm struggling. I'm striving to survive. My doubts and insecurities and worries wear me down and I can't keep up trying to take captive all of these thoughts. 

All of these lies..

But we have hope; we are NOT alone. Verse 4 continues on to say

 "I cried aloud to the Lord, and He answered me from His holy hill."

Did you catch that? David cried to the Lord and He answered him!! I am confident that we can cry aloud to the Lord and He will answer us just as He has answered David and so many before and after Him.

I don't know about you my friend, but I will be crying aloud to the Lord. During the struggles and the heartbreak and in the midst of the storm, I will cry aloud to the Lord and know that He is my shield, protecting me from myself and the world and lifting up my head. 

xoxo,
Samantha