April 8

But you, O Lord, are a shield that surrounds me.  You are my glory. You hold my head high”. Psalm 3:3 (God’s Word) 

Cast down, cast aside, cast off, it doesn’t matter.  There is never a shortage of things in life that want to force your eyes and your head down—shame, guilt, mistakes made, pain, regrets.  Yet into the midst of all of this, as only a true Saviour can do, Jesus comes to rescue you! He is the Lover of your soul, the One who sees you as you truly are, and knows your true beauty beyond the pain and scars.
 
He will take you in His arms, and placing His hand under your chin, and beckon you to look up—into the eyes of mercy deep and grace freely given. To look up into a depth of love you have never known before, and find complete acceptance, belonging, and oh, so much more.
 
Look up today, chosen child, into the eyes of compassion and understanding; into the face of the One Who knows who you are, deeply and truly, and loves you exactly as you are.
 
When everything, and everyone, wants to push you down, put your trust in Jesus.  In beauty and in grace, He will lift you up to see yourself in the light of His love, and to see your future just exactly as it is meant to be.
 
Prayer:
 
Precious Lord, how astounding it is to think that You, in all Your glory, would come near to me, even today, and surround me as a shield, in Your glory with You.
 
Who am I Lord to deserve such a gift?  This could only come because of the kindness, the goodness, the grace, and the extravagant love that flows from You! A goodness, a glory, and a grace that catches me up too!
 
Oh Lord, when everything else wants to push me down; when I feel down and so low; it is You, the Holy One of Israel, who comes to my rescue and with a Father’s help, lifts me up, sets my feet upon Christ Jesus, the rock of my salvation, and allows me to begin anew.
 
Covered continually in Your glory, I look up with anticipation and hope.  I look up my Champion Defender, and I see You.