Again and again, the “God who …” phrases in Scripture reveal God’s works. As we respond to our Lord deep within, receiving what he communicates Spirit-to-spirit, those phrases also reveal his ways.

Funny. But not. You hang your head when your heart is heavy. You express outwardly the heaviness you feel inwardly – whether it results from sorrow, self-reproach, intimidation, discouragement or despair.

King David hung his head the day his son Absalom tried to kill him and to usurp the throne. David had remained blind to the betrayal while his son plotted a coup, manipulated the people and won their hearts. Even close friends whom David trusted were wooed into Absalom’s camp.

As David fled for his life – his heart, broken; his world, shattered – he cried out:

Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.”

Ah, but then, in the same breath, David sang:

“But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high” (Ps. 3:3).

“my wonderful God who gives me courage” (NCV).

“the one who restores me” (NET).

“the One who lifts up my head” (NKJV).

Even in his darkest hour, King David knew:

It is God’s way to see what our bodies are saying, to know what inner turmoil we’re expressing – and to act. It is his way to give comfort, honor, courage and good hope to those who are his own.

You too be blessed to experience this facet of God’s goodness. Be blessed to declare it, and so to see it: “You are the One who lifts my head high.”

Image by Susann Mielke from Pixabay