Psalm 3
This is a wonderful psalm of trust in God, even though the background circumstances as told in 2 Samuel 15-18 are devastatingly heartbreaking. King David's own son Absalom, whom he loves, has amassed followers who have turned against him. Absalom is seeking to kill his father, and is leading a rebellion with those who are even saying that David is beyond help from God. So, in Psalm 3, David cries out to God about the "many" who rise up against him. Yet, David has assurance in God's protection and answer to prayer. His faith that God will sustain him, enables him to sleep peacefully and not be afraid. He closes by praying for deliverance, knowing that God is able to save both physically and spiritually; and that God blesses His people.
Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:
- Verses 1-2
- David responded to his heartbreaking and life-threatening circumstances by crying out to God. During times when those around me or even those I love turn against me, what is my response? And, how would I respond when faced with threatening circumstances?
- Those around David in vs 2 were saying "There is no salvation for him in God;" but David in vs 8 knows that "Salvation belongs to the LORD. Have there been times when I listened to voices around me saying things that are not true?
- Verses 3-4
- During my times of trouble, what truths about God can bring reassurance?
- Verses5-6
- How can these verses help me during times when fears and anxieties in my life cause me to lose sleep over them?
- Verses 7-8
- Are there things in my life that I need to pray for deliverance from?
- What blessings can I thank God for?
If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video:
"A Shield About Me" by The Marantha! Singers: Link
Comments
o A God answers prayers
o D God delivers us
o S God sustains us
o A Allow yourself to trust Him
o B Be not afraid
o C Communicate with Him
* The LORD as King David's Shield surrounds him beyond the foes that rise up & surround him
* By His grace the LORD brings King David's focus from his fearsome circumstances (foes, opposition, lies) to who He is & worships Him: Shield (Psalm 91:4); Glorious One (Glenn says 'glory is 'light' or 'radiance'); Lifter of his head (forgiveness; grace; favor)
* King David cries to the LORD in prayer--He faithfully answers him
* King David receives His peace & assurance that his life/soul is safely in the LORD's hands
*Instead of foes who 'rise up', King David confidently asks the LORD to 'Arise' as Commander-in-Chief, prove liars wrong by being his Deliverer (contrast v. 2) & bring humiliating defeat to them
* Blessings to His people (v.8, compare Psalm 1:1-3, 6 & Psalm 2:12) include knowing the LORD as Deliverer, & the gift of His salvation (Jonah 2:9)
***Good pattern to follow from King David: shift focus from surrounding distress to the LORD; worship who He is--bless & thank Him; cry out to Him in prayer; choose to trust and wait on Him; exchange lies for His truth (circles back to His Word--Psalm 1:1-3)