Psalm 3:3 – But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
“He lifts us up. He’s my glory and the lifter of our head.”
I love that picture.
And if you watch sports, maybe you’ve seen something like this. Years ago, there was a championship game where a young player missed a really important shot for his team.
He hung his head, and before maybe even two seconds had passed, his teammate lifted his chin, patted him on the back, and said, “It’s not over. We’ve got this.”
I’ve always remembered that because I thought, I want to surround myself with people like that, too.
But actually, I want to be that person.
Because there have been plenty of times when I’ve noticed somebody hanging their head a little low. Maybe they’re discouraged. Maybe they’re disappointed in themselves. Maybe they’re carrying something they haven’t told anybody about.
I’ll say a silent prayer for them. But sometimes I think, Lord, I don’t just want to pray for them. Maybe You want to encourage them through me. I need to walk over there.
God is the One who lifts our heads, and I love that picture because often, we don’t need somebody to fix everything. We just need somebody to remind us to look up.
So, if you know somebody who’s been walking around with their head down lately—your sister, your brother, your coworker, your neighbor—say the prayer, and then maybe go say something to them, too.
Because I’m thankful that God lifts our heads. And sometimes, in His kindness, He lets us be the hands that help.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
- Is there an area of your life where you’ve been hanging your head lately—feeling discouraged, disappointed, or overwhelmed?
- Who has been someone God used to lift your head and remind you that you weren’t alone?
- Is there someone in your life right now whose head seems to be hanging a little low? What might they need to hear from you?
- When you notice someone hurting, are you willing to do more than pray for them and take a step toward them?
- Who might God be asking you to encourage today—and what could you say or do to help lift their head?
