The Shield Who Lifts My Head
When the voices say you’re abandoned… Psalm 3 whispers that you are held safe, shielded, and never alone.
Scripture Reading (NLT):
“O Lord, I have so many enemies;
so many are against me.
So many are saying,
‘God will never rescue him!’
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
I cried out to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy mountain.
I lay down and slept,
yet I woke up in safety,
for the Lord was watching over me.
I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies
who surround me on every side.
Arise, O Lord!
Rescue me, my God!
Slap all my enemies in the face!
Shatter the teeth of the wicked!
Victory comes from you, O Lord.
May you bless your people.”
Trauma-Informed Paraphrase:
God, it feels like everything and everyone is against me.
The voices tell me I am abandoned, that no rescue is coming.
But you — you are different.
You are my shield, my safe place, the one who lifts my weary head.
When I cry out, you do not turn away.
You hold me through the night, and I wake up alive because you stayed near.
Even when the threats feel overwhelming, I am not alone — you surround me with safety.
And when I cannot fight for myself, you fight for me.
Your love breaks the power of lies, your justice silences the cruelty of those who harm.
My victory, my breath, my rest — all come from you.
Bless me, bless your people, with your presence that never leaves.
Reflection Prompts:
- Where in your life right now do you long for God to lift your head and remind you you’re not alone?
- How might it feel to imagine God as a shield — not trapping you, but holding you safe with gentleness?
Blessing for the Week:
Beloved soul, when the night feels heavy and the voices say you are forgotten,
may you remember the Real Jesus is your shield — wrapping you in gentleness.
May He lift your head when it feels too heavy to lift on your own.
May His presence hold you safe through the dark,
and may His peace rise with you in the morning light.
Always — you are seen, you are safe, and you are deeply loved.
Go in peace, and may peace go with you.
With Love,
Raya
If this reflection speaks to your heart, you’re welcome to linger a little longer with Psalm 3. I’ve recorded a gentle, trauma-informed reading of the psalm — with pauses, paraphrase, and space for you to rest in safety.
You can watch the full video here:
May it be another reminder that you are not alone, and that the Real Jesus is your shield, your rest, and the lifter of your head.
The Gentle Rise 