Psalm 3 - Leaving it with God

 


Psalm 3 - See below

David’s son, Absalom, loved his sister Tamar. When he found out that their own brother, Ammon, had violated her, he killed Ammon. Fearing his father’s wrath, he then fled to Geshu. When David allowed Absalom to return to Jerusalem, he commanded him to stay out of his presence. This continued for 2 years (see 2 Samuel 14:28). After 2 years, Absalom “came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king, and the king kissed Absalom” (2 Samuel 14:33).

Absalom spent the next 4 years undermining David’s authority and “gaining the hearts of the people.” (See 2 Samuel 15). He sat at the city gates, charming them daily and turning them against David. After the 4 years, Absalom sent messengers throughout the tribes of Israel, planning a coup. In 2 Samuel 15, David flees to prevent a blood bath from Absalom’s takeover.

In Psalm 3, David cries out to God because his own son rose against him and stole the hearts of the people. In verses 1 and 2, David is despairing over the odds against him. Not only did the soldiers surround him and want to replace him, but they also wanted to kill him.

David doesn’t stop there; he doesn’t end in despair. He praises God while reminding himself that the LORD is his shield. In verses 3 and 4, he tells us that when he cried aloud to God, God answered. He calls on God and gives his worries over to Him. Only then could he find peace to sleep. He no longer worried about his enemies because he trusted God to save him.

There’s a lesson in this that we can all benefit from. When we worry, we need to go to our heavenly Father and lay it all before Him. We need to trust that God will take care of us and provide for us. He is our shield and refuge and the source of our peace. When we pray earnestly to God, He always hears and answers us. We need to learn to give our anxieties and worries over to God and let go of them, trusting in His love, mercy, and protection.

How many of us have stayed awake at night, worrying about decisions or things in our lives? When we are in crisis, peace and sleep can be elusive and hard to attain. David slept peacefully, despite the many people trying to kill him. How? He cried to the LORD and trusted the assurance of God’s loving care. When we rest in this assurance, it is easier to sleep and let go of our attempts to control things. Next time worrying takes over and fills your mind, remember this: pour out your heart before God, thank Him for His power, control, and plan for us. Leave it with Him. Let it go. Remember, He is in control, and His plan for His people is good.

David tells God of the insults and wrongs done to him, and asks that his enemies be repaid in kind. He trusted that God is a just God; he just needed to wait for God’s perfect timing.

He ends his prayer with grace and love for God’s people. Despite the people’s turning against him, he asks that God bless His people. He acknowledges that God is the source of our salvation.

When we go through difficulties with other people, remember to show grace. You can ask God to bring justice for wrongdoing, but we still need to remember to show grace. We, too, are sinners and commit wrongdoings; we ought to be kind and gracious in the same way we wish others to be gracious to us.


Praying through the Psalms:

Gracious God and heavenly Father,

I come before you now, in humble adoration and worship. You, oh God, are my shield and refuge, my strength and source of peace. I know that You hear me when I cry to You, and You answer my prayers. Help me to see how great and merciful You are, and to trust in Your goodness and plan for my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit, and guide me in my steps. Help me to lay everything before You and trust in Your providential care. When others tempt me to despair with their sinful actions, help me to be gracious and leave them in Your sovereign hands. Forgive me where I fall short, and when I try to take my worries back, remind me, once again, to leave them with You. Grant me the peace that only You can give, not because I am worthy, but in Jesus name alone, Amen.

 

Psalm 3: Save Me, O My God

A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.

1 O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;
2 many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah[a]

3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
4 I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah

5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.

7 Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.

8 Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people! Selah

 

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