Lyrics
Thou O Lord
Art a shield about me
You’re the glory
And the lifter of my head
Thou O Lord
Art a shield about me
You’re the glory
And the lifter of my head
Jehovah Jireh
The lifter of my head
Jehovah Rapha
The lifter of my head
Jehovah Tsidkenu
The lifter of my head
El Shaddai
You’re the lifter of my head
Song Meaning
The song repeats an assurance of God’s protection: the Lord is a shield, gives the singer dignity, and lifts a bowed head. Its later names for God turn that assurance into personal praise.
Biblical Message
Psalm 3:3 supplies the song’s central image of the Lord as a shield, glory, and lifter of the head. Reading the psalm gives the refrain its setting: a prayer for help amid opposition and fear.
Reflection
If you feel worn down, read Psalm 3:3 and name the help you need. The song offers a short refrain to carry into that prayer.