JANUARY 3
Psalm 3
Psalm 3:3, “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.”
The Psalm tells us of its context. David had fled from his son, Absalom, who formed a conspiracy to take away not only David’s crown, but his life. One can only imagine the distress and despair that David must have experienced.
We all face difficult circumstances, in which troubles, or even people, appear to be working against our wellbeing. David invested his trust in God and in His ability to protect him. The Lord was a shield about him. I was recently at the dentist for a root canal. When it came time for x-rays, the assistant laid a lead blanket over me, the purpose of which was to protect my vital parts from radiation. David had the Lord Himself for a shield, but not just for a part of his body or temporarily. The word in the original speaks of a protection all around—above, beneath, around, without and within.
The Lord was also David’s glory. Some place confidence in their looks, intelligence, wealth, power or prestige. David’s security and worth were founded in God. Many were against him, but they were no match for God omnipotent (Psalm 3:1-2). Imagine how downcast David must have been. But then it was the Lord who lifted his head, much as a flower is lifted up towards the sun.
Two key words made the difference in David’s situation—“But you (Psalm 3:3)!” You’ve your own struggles and to the extent that you focus on them, you’ll despair. But in Jesus, you’ve a guardian of your soul, who is well able to impart both peace and joy to your heart (1 Peter 2:25; Philippians 4:1, 6-8).
“Oh! What a shield is God for His people! He wards off the fiery darts from Satan from beneath, and the storms of trials from above, while, at the same instant, he speaks peace to the tempest within the breast.” — Charles Spurgeon
Application questions: What was your response the last time you found yourself in an overwhelming situation? How can reminding yourself that God is a shield about you help?
Author: looking2jesus13
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
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