Psalm 3
(Psa 3:1 KJV) A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they
increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
This must have been one of the most horrible times in David's life. His own son had not
only rebelled against him but had slept with David's wives, tried to take over David's
kingdom and even wanted to take his own father's life.
(Psa 3:2 KJV) Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God.
Selah.
Many pictured David as forsaken by God and without any help. Absalom was probably even
vain enough to think that God was on his side rather than his father's side. If that was
the case it shows how false religion is so deceptive. It appears as an angel of light. It
looks good and justified on the surface. It will even have prophets or people to confirm
that it is from God when it is not. So, how are we to know? A good way is the check it by
the word. Refuse to take only portions of scripture that someone might send you whose
motive is to have you see it their way. Remember we can go through the scriptures, take
them out of context and teach anything we want. That is why we need to search the
scriptures on our own and make sure that we understand what the bible is saying within the
correct setting. Check out what is preached by the study of the word. Seek the mind of
Christ and the will of God. Don't read the bible to seek to justify your own actions but
rather be willing to receive correction by the word.
Absalom was a people pleaser, very good looking and knew how to gain approval. He was a
flatterer rather than a one who rebukes those doing wrong. He did this to gain followers away from his father and
unto him instead.
(Psa 3:3 KJV) But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of
mine head.
David here remembers the Lord of his youth. He remembers that the Lord is a shield, his
glory and one who lifts him up. He knew that his help was in God and no other. He knew God
would stand up for the right things. He knew that God would not be swayed by the
multitudes going after Absalom.
(Psa 3:4 KJV) I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy
hill. Selah.
5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
6 I will not
be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
Ah the peace of sleep and refreshing awakening when one knows that the Lord is his
keeper.
A sincere voice crying out to God when in trouble was heard by the Lord. He could now
take his rest in sleep for the Lord was helping him to bear up under his heavy burden. Having
one's own children fighting against him for his very life must have been one of the
hardest things David faced. Whatever comfort the Lord gave, made David feel strong enough
to face ten thousands of people gathering about him.
(Psa 3:7 KJV) Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies
upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
This verse sounds like a prophetic utterance. His faith was strong in that he felt like
the battle was won already and his enemies were defeated even though in reality it hadn't
actually taken place yet.
(Psa 3:8 KJV) Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people.
Selah.
There was no natural way that David could have defeated his enemies. Absalom had won
the hearts of the people by flattery. David recognizes the fact that his salvation
depended totally and completely upon God and no other. In this 3rd psalm we see a
beginning totally helpless and in despair and an ending totally trusting and resting in
the salvation of the Lord.
This can apply to us today. We may have real flesh and blood enemies but the true enemy
of our soul is the devil and fighting the flesh which wars against the spirit. We may face
temptations, trials, trouble, doubts and fears in our daily walk. Events may happen to
cause us to feel the same as David felt at the beginning of Psalm 3; Totally despondent
and in despair. This is when we can call upon God and depend upon him for relief and help.
We can get rid of any sin we haven't repented of, which may have helped to cause our affliction and let
His holy spirit comfort us in our time of need. I'm not saying here that
everyone who has trouble has sinned in some way but if we search our hearts
and the Holy Spirit shows us where we sinned, we then need to repent and start
anew. As we seek God as David did we come to
realize that we are totally helpless to handle some of the things that come along but that
trusting in the Lord for deliverance will bring peace to our souls.
Sometimes all that is needed is to be restored to the joy of our salvation.
We have joy when we remember
our first love, which should be the Lord, His word and fellowship with him.
Psa 51:10,11,12 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right
spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy
holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and
uphold me with thy free spirit.
-Dorna
Index
Psalm 4
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