My Glory and the Lifter of my Head

\ by Stephen Douglas

When by day my thoughts go astray or at night when they are scattered, I pause - to acknowledge each day comes of its own creative ability. Creation is the beholder, not the initiator I confess my weaknesses and say aloud; “O Lord, you be the lifter of my head!” - Selah*

When dark foreboding past deeds assail my resolve to be strong, I pause - and humbly say my prayer; strength to bear the course of heart He who guides the lowly star, is not too far. I confess my confusion and say aloud; “O Lord, you be the lifter of my head!” - Selah

When living is bright and breezy, and I collate my patterns of action as being right, I pause - breathe a sigh of relief and whisper “Holy Spirit you be my guide” and may my thoughts be simple and loving. I say my confession: “I be weak but Ye be strong” and sing aloud “My glory and the lifter of my head” O Lord, You are the lifter of my head! - Selah

*Selah - a word apparently adopted by the Israelite’s; to pause, an instrumental interlude.

© stephen c douglas; 22 Nov 21 - LNI Good News Vanners, East Cape safari. Our time of singing was uplifting, I commented on poet David’s use of the phrase ‘one who lifts my head’ (Ps 3v3) wondering how this could be. Response; when we are down, we tend to lower our heads and David with his family troubles (as reflected in his poem) is saying the Lord lifts his head. As I traveled that morning the sense of our singing stayed with me, knowing there was a poem somewhere. I parked in the wide corner berth on the descending hill as you approach Hawai, for coffee and thinking and wrote the draft of this poem ‘Lifter of my Head’. “Do not let your hands grow weak. Yahweh your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will bring quietness with His love. He will delight in you with shouts of joy.” Zephaniah 3.17