Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me
You're my glory
And the lifter of my head
Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me
You're my glory
And the lifter of my head
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
You're the lifter of my head
Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me
You're my glory
And the lifter of my head
Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me
And You're my glory
And the lifter of my head
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
You're the lifter of my head
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
You're the lifter of my head
A Shield About Me
A Shield About Me Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"A Shield About Me" by Steffany Gretzinger, released on November 5, 2021, is a profoundly simple yet powerful worship song. The lyrics center on declarative statements about the nature of God, expressing deep trust and reverence. The song encapsulates core biblical truths about God's protective presence, His inherent worthiness of praise, and His ability to uplift and restore. It serves as a musical affirmation of faith, designed to draw the listener into a posture of worship.
The song's structure is characterized by repetition, particularly of the core phrases: "Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me," "You're my glory," and "And the lifter of my head." This repetitive pattern is a common feature in worship music, facilitating meditation on the words and encouraging participation. The simple inclusion of "Hallelujah," meaning "Praise the Lord," acts as an interjection of pure adoration, amplifying the worshipful atmosphere established by the main declarations. This structure allows the spiritual meaning to sink deeply into the listener's heart.
The language used in the lyrics draws heavily from rich biblical imagery. The phrase "a shield about me" speaks to God's protection and defense against all forms of harm or opposition. "You're my glory" declares God as the source of all honor, worth, and splendor, attributing ultimate significance to Him alone. The declaration "the lifter of my head" refers to God's ability to bring encouragement, restore dignity, and lift one out of despair, a symbol of hope and renewed confidence in Him. These descriptions paint a comprehensive picture of God's character as both powerful protector and intimate comforter.
A central scripture reference underpinning this song is Psalm 3:3, which states, "But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the lifter of my head." The lyrics directly quote this verse, anchoring the song firmly in established biblical text. This connection provides a scriptural foundation for the song's message, linking the personal expression of faith to the timeless truths found in the Psalms, which have long served as hymns of praise and lament for believers. Other scriptures also speak of God as a shield (e.g., Genesis 15:1, Deuteronomy 33:29) and as the source of glory and upliftment.
The music video accompanying the song was released concurrently with its launch on November 5, 2021. The video background features a live performance setting, capturing Steffany Gretzinger leading worship. This visual presentation enhances the song's purpose, inviting viewers into a shared worship experience. The live context allows the raw emotion and spiritual intensity of the song to be conveyed authentically, reinforcing its role as an anthem of faith and trust in God's unwavering presence and power.
Ultimately, "A Shield About Me" serves as an inspirational reminder of God's multifaceted role in the life of a believer. By declaring Him as protector, source of worth, and bringer of hope, the song encourages listeners to place their trust entirely in Him. The simple, repeated phrases and the inclusion of "Hallelujah" create an environment conducive to personal reflection and corporate worship, fostering a sense of security, reverence, and joy in the presence of God, the lifter of our heads.