Psalmody, a journey through Psalms with Anne Mileur

Psalm chapter Three

“The Lord Helps His Troubled People”     

Absalom wanted to be king, but first, he had to overthrow his father, King David. That story is found in 2nd Samuel, chapters 15-19.  In Psalm 3, David explains his reaction and God’s response to Absalom’s betrayal. His testimony teaches us a spiritual principle: Praise plus Prayer equals Peace.

At first, it seems that David has a pity party. In verses 1-2, he says: “Many are those who rise up against me.” and “Many say there is no help for him in God.” If you read only those words, you might interpret that David is in despair, thinking “There are so many enemies, there is no hope for me.”

But beware of the dangers of quoting a verse out of context. Reading the whole chapter, we realize that instead of whining, David states the facts of his situation and sets the stage for what’s coming next.

Verses 3-8 clarify his relationship with the Lord.  He begins with “BUT You Oh Lord…” and continues with praise and prayer to the One he knows well and trusts his life with.  David is so confident in the Lord that he is unafraid of his enemies. How do we know? He declares, “I lay down and slept.”  

With this context, we understand Psalm 3 the way David wrote it. Allow me to summarize his words with my paraphrase. “The enemy army is huge, and they have caused lots of trouble. They taunt me saying that it’s hopeless because, in their opinion, my God can’t help me this time. BUT this I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, when I cry out to You, O Lord, You hear me. I can sleep at night knowing that that is You who defends me, protects me, and blesses me.”

Just a thought: well, actually, I have ‘many’ thoughts about this Psalm

David uses the word ‘many’ to describe the number of his enemies, but ‘many’ can also refer to the number of friends and foes we have, the frequency of trials and temptations we face, and how often our emotions and opinions bombard us.

Verses 2, 4, and 8 end with “Selah”, which means “pause”. When you read that word, take a minute to think about, meditate on, and ponder about what you just read.  Let it sink in.

Let’s read between the lines. Buried within the story of this Psalm are three key principles:

First, the character of God is revealed.

David says, “You are a shield for me.” God is omnipotent.  He is all-powerful, our protector, our defender, our rescuer.

David says, “The Lord sustains me.”  God is my strength, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

David says, “I lay down and slept. I will not be afraid.” God is my Peace. He is working on my behalf, even as I sleep.

David says, “Your blessing is upon Your people.”  God is my source. Everything is by and through the hand of the Lord.

Second, Praise + Prayer = Peace.  In this Psalm, David’s son betrays him. What does David do?  Only after he praises God by remembering Who God is, and what He has done for him in the past, does he pray for help. The result? David sleeps in peace.  

Third, we choose what we do in any given situation.

David chooses to trust the Lord to lift his head and sing praises to God.

He refuses to fear his enemy, refuses to let the situation cause distress, and refuses to entertain depression.  

David meditates, not about how he wants God to take care of the situation, but about Who God is, and what He is currently doing.

He intentionally remembers what God has done in the past, acknowledges God’s sovereignty, and submits to God’s plan.

Instead of being anxious, David chooses to trust God. He says to himself, “I will not be afraid”, and goes to sleep instead of sitting up all night worrying.

Like David, our paths today are paved with yesterday’s choices. “Choose well, my friend”

Even though his circumstances were very different from ours, our thoughts and emotions are similar. While we may identify with David and can learn from his responses to adversity, he is human. During his life, he makes mistakes. We should never use his shortcomings as an excuse for our misbehavior. As we struggle through trials and temptations, we must remember that only Jesus Christ is our example for righteous living.

Write your own Psalm about a situation you faced. Include praise and prayer, and find the peace of Jesus Christ in your adversity.

                                             My Psalm:

Oh, Lord, the enemy within reappears to torment me again.

But, I am assured that You are our ever-present strength in our weakness.

You are sovereign, the all-wise, all-powerful, and always present Lord of Lords.

You are the only way through and out of this conflict. Selah

My heart’s desire is to please You.  Increase my hunger for holiness.

Guide me in the way I should go.  Pick me up when I fall.

Let my words be filled only with loving kindness.

Help me bear the repercussions of choosing to follow YOU,

For all rightness and justice come from You.

anne mileur