This week we are going to study Psalm chapter three. It is a Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom, his son. You can read 2 Samuel 15:1-18:18 the story of how Absalom deceived the people and was able to win them over with his craftiness. David ran away for his life and devised a plan for how to overcome this treason. Let's read today's passage in light of what we know has taken place.
Verse one David calls upon God. Notice when David needed strength, help, healing, or anything he always turned to God. He knew that God would help him because He had done so over and over throughout his life. He tells God the problem right away. David is overwhelmed by the amount of people coming against him. Have you ever been there? Have you ever felt like you were outnumbered and you didn't even know why everything seemed to be against you?
Verse two David told God what others were saying about him. Have you ever told God what others were saying about you? I have experienced people being cruel and lying on me. I told God what they said and how it made me feel. It is better to take these issues to God in prayer, than to retaliate and tell others what is going on, broadcast it on social media, or gossip.
Verse three David begins to brag on God. The reason it is best to go straight to God with our burdens is because of who God is. He is a shield for us. He is our glory and He lifts up our heads. We get beat up by the enemy and like a good, good Father, He steps in between us and the ammunition of the enemy. He protects us and He picks our chin up. He encourages us.
Verse four David is rejoicing. He was so overwhelmed and dismayed when he first started this prayer, but now God has already begun to turn things around. David is jubilant because he knows that God heard his prayer. We do not have to worry when circumstances weigh heavy on our minds and we feel defeated. God hears our prayers and He is on the move. He is shielding us and lifting us up.
Verse five David got rest! When problems are many and solutions are few, we often find ourselves unable to sleep. We toss and turn and often sleep eludes us. However, when we give our burdens to God and leave them there, He will take care of it. We can then sleep and be well rested. David gives God the credit. He said he laid down and slept and was awakened only because God sustained him. In Proverbs 3:24 it reads, "When thou liest down, thou shall not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet." Isn't that a wonderful promise?
Verse six David gets his courage back. He said he will not be afraid of 10,000 or more people that have surrounded him. David started remembering how God spared him with the lion and the bear when he was shepherding sheep. David remembered how God kept him alive when Saul tried to kill him over and over again. David remembered the many battles he fought and won because God had His Mighty hand on him. We need to get our courage back, too. How many times has God paid the bill with money we never saw coming? How many times have we found favor we knew we didn't deserve? How often has God come through for us to deliver us in our times of great need? Over and over God has proven Himself faithful.
Verse seven David calls on God for help. He says God has struck his enemies in the face and knocked their teeth out. In other words, God has disarmed the enemy. He has helped David by cutting the enemy off at the knees and rendering them helpless. God will do the same thing for you and me. He is fighting on our behalf and the good news is God has never lost a battle and He never will.
Verse eight David ends in praise. He proclaims salvation is God's to give and He acknowledges that God has blessed His people. We can go to God in tears and anguish over the trials and tribulations of this life. We should go to Him. He wants us to. Then we need to remember how good God is and we can go to sleep and rest well knowing God is taking care of it. Finally we can step back and watch God shield us and lift us up all while knocking the enemy out and winning the battle for us. He is a good and faithful Father and friend. He loves us and He will help us. He helped David and He will help you and me and like He has over and over again.
Friends I have enjoyed taking a look at Psalm 3 with you all. I hope this has encouraged you. I pray that this Bible study today has given you strength for your journey and light for your way. God bless you!
~Bridgett Owens
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