O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying to me, "There is no help for you in God."

But you, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy hill.

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me. I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.

Rise up, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.

Deliverance belongs to the LORD; may your blessing be on your people!

Psalm 3:1-8

The word glory is the translation of a Hebrew word meaning "weight" or "significance." Some people measure their worth by money, beauty, intelligence, power, or prestige. God is our shield, and that is more important than any of the other things working for us and against us. God can bring peace to your heart, even in the midst of a troubling storm. God is your shield and He will deal with your adversaries in due time. Meanwhile, tell God all about your troubles. Let Him be your glory. You don’t have to defend yourself. Ask Him to be your shield – to protect your heart with His overshadowing love and care. Lie down in peace and go to sleep, even though many are against you.

No one is more secure than the one

who is held in God’s hands.

Our Daily Bread – October 6, 2003