Listen Now:
by Debbie Watt | Mar 7, 2020 | Devotions with Debbite
“But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.”
Psalm 3:3
As I read this verse today, I began to ruminate on God being
the lifter up of my head. On Google Images, I searched the words, “head
down”. I wrote the impressions that came to my mind with each image:
grief, shame, depression, weariness, despair, loneliness, discouragement,
disappointment, guilt, fear, frustration, isolation, overwhelming stress,
heartache, and pain. Then I searched the phrase, “look up”. In these
images, I saw: comfort, optimism, hope, joy, looking for possibilities,
inspiration, confidence, resolve, bravery, dawning comprehension, freedom,
uninhibited, wonder, laughter, thoughtfulness, awe, and freedom. Wow, what a
difference between a head that is down and a head that is lifted up! Then – word
nerd that I am – I checked the definition of “lift up” in the
dictionary and thesaurus. I found that this verse could be translated,
“God excites, exhilarates, and elates me! He perks me up, boosts my
morale, cheers me, and brightens my day. He rouses, develops, improves and
refines me. The Lord lifts me up, and raises my spirit!”
Amen and hallelujah! I thought of many times in life when I
have been “head down,” and have gone to God in prayer; how I have
felt Him gently lift my chin and say, “Debbie, look at Me.” When I
look up, I look straight into eyes of Love. Looking in His eyes, I remember who
I am – Whose I am – and I know it’s going to be all right. This morning, I give
praise to the God who is the lifter up of my head!
Listen Now:
by Debbie Watt | Mar 7, 2020 | Devotions with Debbite
One Monday morning, I bounced into my 5th-grade classroom.
Sunday’s night’s message had been about not letting anything take our praise. Pastor
had told the story of David encouraging himself in the Lord, how he battled the
Amalekites to regain his joy, and how he won the victory. It had been a
dancing, shouting, aisle-running service, and I was still aglow.
The teacher separated the class into groups and gave us a
project. As I worked, the gladness in my heart bubbled over into a soft song. Another
girl said, “Please stop singing. I can’t concentrate.” Now as an adult, I
understand the reasonableness of her request. But as a child, and in light of
the previous night’s message, I took it as she was trying to silence my praise.
I was NOT about to let some heathen child steal my victory! I began to sing again – just a bit louder – and changed
my song to, “Oh, the children of the Lord have a RIGHT to shout and sing!”
Okay, so my understanding might have been lacking slightly,
but you know what? I miss that girl, with her unabashed determination that
nothing and nobody would silence her praise. We sing a song, “I’ve never lost my praise.”
Unfortunately, that’s not true for me. At times I’ve allowed the enemy of my
soul, the accuser of the brethren, to silence my worship. “How dare you try to
praise God?” he would taunt. “I know all the mistakes you’ve made and how often
you fall short. What makes you think God wants praise from a messed-up failure
like you?” Other times, I’ve allowed the weight of tribulations and grief to
slowly smother my joy. I am sure I am not the only one who’s, “Been there, done
that.” The last few years have brought painful trials to many of our church
family. But today is the day to reclaim our boldness in the Holy Ghost. This
our season to shake off the spirit of heaviness and put on the garment of
praise. It’s time to celebrate in the
presence of the Lord!
The Psalmist David wrote, “My heart is fixed, O God, my
heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.” (Psalm 57:7). He penned this avowal
while hiding in a cave, on the run from King Saul. Doubtless, he battled
discouragement, fear, and bitterness. But David placed his trust in God. The
word “fixed” here means: steadfast,
prepared, unwavering, resolved. David made a resolution, “I refuse to allow
my enemies or my circumstance rob my of my worship. No matter what comes my
way, I choose to delight myself in the Lord and find my strength in Him.” As we
make our New Year’s resolutions for 2018, let’s follow David’s example and make
this our own declaration for the coming year. Don’t take my praise!
