Fear and circumstance are two of the many tools Satan would use to distract us from the One who loves us. This Psalm--just eight short verses, has a lot to say if we would stop and think about what King David wrote so long ago.
"LORD, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are those who rise up against me. Many are they who say of me, There is no help for him in God.' But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the LORD with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill."
I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. Arise, O LORD; Save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongs to the LORD. Your blessing is upon Your people" Psalm 3:1-8
THE OLD TESTAMENT
It is obvious that David is distressed, discouraged, and overwhelmed--and not afraid to be honest with his Lord. Nevertheless, as we work our way through this Psalm (or prayer), we see that David does not stop here. He continues on, reminding himself of the faithfulness of God.
What is troubling David--and why? Who are these "many people" who are rising up against him?
This Psalm was written during the time he was running from his son, Absalom, who was intent on killing him. We find the story of Absalom in 2 Samuel 3:3-4 and 2 Samuel chapters 13-15. I encourage you to read it as it will give deeper meaning to this Psalm.
In summary, Absalom is David's third son from one of his many wives--this story is one that reveals the consequence of disobeying God. Just in case you were wondering, God never approved of more than one wife. Unfortunately, his people followed the cultural thing to do instead of the God thing to do.
As a result, he had half-brothers and sisters. It is recorded in chapters 13-15, how one of his half-brothers raped his sister. Naturally, this sets off a string of events that lead to Absalom seeking his father's life--Talk about a dysfunctional family! (Seriously, you must read it.)
Back to Psalm three. Shift your attention to what David says just after he acknowledges he is being pursued. "But You O LORD are a shield for me". What a powerful statement and a sense of confidence for someone who is on the run. This is where I would like to spend the rest of our time together.
THE NEW TESTAMENT
In thinking about the concept of a shield, I went to my good friend, Mr. Webster of the New World. This is what he had to say:
SHIELD = a piece of metal shaped and used as protection against blows or missiles; anything used to protect something or someone from danger, risk, or an unpleasant experience.
What a revelation! A shield does not prevent something from coming our way. It does however; protect us from what is sure to come. Remembering this, should give us the same confidence it gave David. Still, how does knowing God was David's shield relate to the New Testament and what can we learn?
For starters, let's read from Ephesians:
"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace: and above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Eph 6:14-17
Isn't this a beautiful connection? David tells us his shield is God and the New Testament gives us details of how this shield works for those who are in Christ Jesus. It is interesting to note that as believers, we have an offensive tool to use against our enemy who seeks to destroy us spiritually--that is the word of God.
If we want to know the truth of God, if we want to be sure we are living a life that pleases him and we want to be strong against temptation, we must know God's word. Without it, we have no shield.
PUT IT ALL TOGETHER AND MAKE IT PERSONAL
For those interested in further study and a deeper connection, I offer the following:
Reread Psalm 3; 2 Samuel 13-15; 2 Timothy 2:1-13; Genesis 15:1; 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 and Psalm 91:1-6
After reading, take some time to consider the following questions and give them an honest answer.
1. What should Absalom have done to avoid bitterness from taking control of his life?
2. Why do you think he took this out on his father?
3. What do you think David means when he says that God is the lifter of his head?
4. Why do you think David was able to sleep?
5. Is there a situation in your life that is controlling you?
6. What steps have you taken, or will you take to turn your attention back to the Lord?
7. How will you use all of these passages to regain control over your life and encourage others to do the same?
CHALLENGE
Re-write Psalm 3 in your own words so it reflects your current relationship with others and the Lord.
Thank you for joining me--I look forward to your input and hope you share your findings after taking on the challenge. Until next time, continue to walk in balance.
Teresa Ortiz 2008 All rights reserved
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