The One Who Lifts My Head

But You, O Lord, are a shield about me,

My glory, and the One who lifts my head.

I was crying to the Lord with my voice,

And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah.

Psalm 3:3-4

The phrase leaped from the verse and into my mind’s eye: the One who lifts my head. I thought of the hundreds of times I had leaned down over an emotional student or had knelt next to one of my children. Those tear-stained eyes locked on the ground. Gently, I touched my fingers under a chin and said, “Look at me,” as I ever so purposefully lifted the chin so our eyes met.

Children aren’t the only ones with eyes focused downward. I’ve been there and so have you. If not, why would phrases like “downcast eyes,” “troubled stares,” or even “nose to the grindstone” be so easily understood? What causes adults, as well as children, to “hang one’s head?”

Shame. Knowledge of my wrongdoing. Guilt. Fear of exposure. Desire not to be noticed. Weariness. Loneliness.

Intense searching for a lost object. Focused concentration on the task at hand. Overwork. Overwhelming expectations.

I think back to many times as a parent or school teacher when I encouraged a little one, “Look up. Look me in the eyes. You aren’t in trouble. I’m not mad. Let’s work on this so we’ll both feel better.” Often, this quiet urging resulted in an engulfing bear hug of love, an attempt to smother out all pain and fear. At other times, I had to wait patiently until the little one could trust me.

The psalmist David declares that the Lord God Yahweh is the One who lifts his head. He isn’t looking for a person to make all things right; He knows his true comfort is in God alone. When I am the one looking down in my time of need, God says to me, “Here, look at me.” “Let me help.” “You don’t need to search any longer. I’m here. Let me, the Lord God Almighty, do what only I can do!”

God sees through my sadness and regret, saying, “I understand. I will fix everything.”

Once I allow God to lift my head and set my focus on Him, I see more clearly. I can use my eyes and ears to gather information accurately around me. I’m not limited to the shadowed views from the periphery of my sight or the clamoring suggestions of this world. God indeed shines light in my darkness. With a lifted head, I look directly at the One who can make a difference: my Savior. I hear more distinctly. The disquieting murmurs of this world dissipate as I hear my Redeemer’s voice.

My Savior and Lord. My Forgiver. My Redeemer. My Encourager.

The One Who Lifts my Head!

Lord, remind me to keep my eyes on You and remember You are the only One who can lift my head with answers of truth. I choose to cry to You, my God. In You, I have all I need. Lamentations 3:22—23 assures me Your love never ceases, Your compassions never fail. Great is Your Faithfulness, O Lord. Thank you.

What causes you to be downcast and avoid looking to God? Imagine God gently placing His strong hands below your chin, lifting your face ever so gently, so you can gaze directly into His loving eyes. What might you say? Open your journal or speak a soft prayer. God welcomes your honest entreaty as you trust Him.

Delving Deeper: Write out Psalm 3:3—4 (as found above) on one side of an index card. Look up and copy Lamentations 3:22-23 on the reverse side. Read these verses throughout the day. Consider memorizing them.