August 27

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

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. He is the Lover of your soul, the One who sees you as you truly are, even when no one will.

He will take you in His arms, and placing His hand under your chin, 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 and belonging there. 

So, chosen child of God, look up even now into the eyes of compassion and understanding. Gaze upon the beautiful face of the One Who knows who you are and loves you exactly as you are.

When everything, and everyone, wants to push you down, put your trust in Jesus. He will cover you in His glory; heal you in His grace; and lift you up to see as He sees. In seeing, deeply loved one, everything not of Him will fade away, and you will be gloriously free. 

Prayer:
 
You know Lord how often I have walked with my head down. Ashamed of who I thought I was based on what others said or thought—through words spoken that bound me up instead of life-giving words to build me up.
 
And here You come Jesus, my Warrior King, speaking life and truth in the midst of the lies—coming to rescue me!
 
Oh Lord, how can I look down or be cast down, with You by my side. You are famous for your miracles Lord. You have come to make things right.
 
Lifter of my head, Lover of my soul, I give Your thanks and joyous praise. You do all things well!