A MAN WHO EXPERIENCED ISOLATION

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah Psalms 3:3-4
​
There are many biblical characters that have something valuable to tell us in a time of crisis. After considerable thought I have decided to begin with my favourite and most inspirational Bible character. With the exception of Jesus, more Scripture—fifty-four chapters— has been devoted to his story than any other story. Consider other spiritual giants by way of contrast. The father of the faithful, Abraham, has only 13 chapters; Joseph only 14 chapters. 
But the main reason for allowing this person to speak first is his perspective that many readers will find valuable—the perspective of a highly sensitive and creative person.  Although often described as king, shepherd, soldier, and general, David was first and foremost a poet, musician and songwriter. Although Paul or Moses could be ranked with David in terms of the coverage in the Bible, Paul’s name is mentioned 163 times in Scripture while David’s is recorded 1,127 times.  And David’s fifty-four chapters are in addition to the seventy-three psalms that he wrote.  
David experienced great isolation in many different forms, sometimes for extended periods of time. He wrote the words found in Psalm 3:3-4 when the rebellion of his son Absalom, forced him to flee Jerusalem.  From this place of isolation he reminds us that God is a shield who lifts the head that hangs down in sadness so that we can say, “God, you are my glory.”