Another worship song that I find comforting to my soul when I’m going through various trials and dark valleys. Hoping this is a blessing to you, as well.
-Debra
This beautiful song was written when King David was going through one of the darkest times of his life.
PSALM 3
1. O Lord, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me.
2. Many are saying of my soul, “There is no deliverance for him in God.” Selah.
3. But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.
4. I was crying to the Lord with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah.
5. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.
6. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about.
7. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.
8. Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah.
Story Behind:
“Thou, O Lord, Art a Shield About Me”
Scriptural Origin: King David’s Crisis Psalm 3:3 “But You, O Lord, art a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.”
The Context: King David wrote Psalm 3 when he was fleeing from his own son, Absalom, who led a violent rebellion to usurp the throne.
The Emotional Weight: Famously described as one of the darkest periods in David’s life, he was betrayed, humiliated, and forced to run for his life from someone he deeply loved.
The Pivot to Praise: Even while surrounded by enemies and deep distress, David shifts his focus in verse 3, reminding himself that God is his absolute protector (shield), his source of honor (glory), and the one who restores his dignity and hope (the lifter of my head).
Modern Musical History
Creation: Donn Thomas and Charles Williams collaborated to turn this raw cry of trust into a short, meditative worship chorus.
Popularization: The song gained widespread traction in the 1980s and 1990s through praise and worship movements, appearing in many collections of praise music.
The tune is just a tad different that what I’m familiar with, but the richness of the voices and the beautiful harmonies I’ve found to be a blessing to my heart and mind.
Since this comes directly from scripture, this is a great one to meditate on.
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