There are several things a person needs while studying the scripture: 1.) Bible 2.) Hymnbook 3.) Pen and a Notepad. With that being said I want to encourage you to take notes that will help you while walking through these Psalms. Open your Bible and underline, highlight, and even mark a word or two that speaks to you, also sing the hymn and find encouragement from it, and lastly write down some prayer request that you can pray for when you are done with this devotional. 

In verses 1-2 we read where the Psalmist David was looking at man and how many viewed him and the Savior. In verse 3 we are seeing what the Savior was to David and how this could be applied to our life. 

Think about this: not everything in the Bible was written to us but for our learning. Many times we like to say things were written to us when they were really written for our learning. For example, 2 Chronicles 7:14 was written to Israel but we can take the principles of the verse and apply them to our life. Same thing goes for this passage. I am often reminded that the things others encounter we can learn from. If we can learn from the mistakes of others I truly believe we can learn from the things that others go through. 

We have seen two out of three things so far from this verse. 1.) God was a shield to David 2.) God was David's glory. We will see how 3.) God was David's lifter up of his head. 

Notice our text verse:

Psalm 3:3 KJV
But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

Notice the Phrase:..and the lifter up of mine head.

David dwelt on the Savior during this time. He found the Lord to be his shield, he made the Lord his glory, and David allowed the Lord to lift him up. 

Many times during times of discouragement we try to find things that make us happy. For example, we will go fishing, hunting, and camping, yes those things bring happiness for the moment but David knew that true happiness comes from the Savior. David understood that it was his sin that put him in the situation he was in, but David also understood that the Savior was with him every step of the way. 

David knew where to run when he was down and discouraged. May I remind us this morning that the bottle, the drugs, the AA meetings, the video games, and the television will not be the correct things that will turn our frown upside down. 

Many search for things that will lift them up during hard times and they never seem to find it until they try the Savior. Many have their head dropped low simply because of situations that have happened but when they dwell on Jesus and His Word they lift their heads up. 

Saints, the spiritual application is this: when the Devil tries to make you bow your head, bow your head in the Word of God so you can be reminded of who God is and I promise you He will be the lifter up of your head. 

David had to be reminded of this. He was in the place of punishment for his sin but he knew what the Savior could do for him if he would just look up to Him. 

You may be in the same boat as David this morning, but let me remind you that you do not have to stay. Turn your eyes to Him and let Him lift you up this morning.

Application from today's Fire-starter: We can get down looking at our sin and what it has cost us but we can have our heads lifted up by the Savior that has paid for those sins. 

A call to Action: When the Devil puts your head down, rest your head in the pillow of God's Word. Before looking to others for a lifting up go to our Savior. 

Notice the words of the song turn your eyes upon Jesus. May it be an encouragement to you today.

1. O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

2. Thro' death into life everlasting,
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion--
For more than conqu’rors we are!

3. His Word shall not fail you--He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Psalm 3:1-8 KJV

Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. [2] Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. [3] But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. [4] I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. [5] I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. [6] I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about [7] Arise, O Lord ; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. [8] Salvation belongeth unto the Lord : thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.