Psalm 3—a very short Psalm of only eight verses, yet one that packs a big punch. I must give David props. Though a lousy father, adulterer, and murderer, he clung to his belief in God. On the run or at home, in trouble or not, David had a way of spilling his emotions before the Lord.
Read these words penned by David while fleeing from his son Absalom.
Psalm 3
Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”
But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.
Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.
From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.
I visualize David talking to himself when taking a break from running. Soldiers from all sides are closing in on him. They are saying that God will not deliver David. It's as if David slaps his hand saying, “I will NOT fear!” though all these people are after me for 'you are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.'”
And then fire within him ignites and he becomes more determined saying, “Arise, LORD! Deliver me, my God!” His determination turns into anger and he shouts, “Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.” Wow , he’s mad now!
And then in a state of humility he says, “From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.” I imagine the words being said in almost a whisper. “May your blessing be on your people – Lord.”
When we step back, we see three things David did that helped him through this crisis.
1 - David Reminded himself of who God is. David didn’t get into his head when his enemies said that God wouldn’t deliver him. While our thoughts go to, “Oh no, this is bad. How will I ever get out of this?” David chose not to let his mind go there, but rather remind himself of these things:
God is a shield around him
His glory
Someone who lifts his head high
A God who answers him when he calls out
God is someone who sustains David
When you’re in a crises, remind yourself of who God is, what he’s done in your life, and those moments He was there for you. Doing this will alleviate some of the stress and panic. This will bring peace.
2- David shifts his thoughts to Spiritual Warfare. After affirming and reminding himself about God, he asks God to do something:
Rise up!
Deliver him
Strike his enemies
David was very specific in asking God how to smite his enemies. Think of how we might pray today. “Lord, keep the enemy at bay. Smite the enemy and send him back to the place of hell.” When we’re being attacked by the enemy we need to rise up with passion and the authority Christ gives us. Get mad! The enemy is attacking you! Now is the time to be bold and not passive. Ask God to kick the enemy (the enemy being Satan) to the curb. You don't want the enemy anywhere near you.
3 - David humbles himself before God. After that bold moment, David praises the Lord and affirms God’s power.
Deliverance and victory comes from God
He asks the Lord to bless His people.
Praise the Lord in all things and ask God to bring blessings upon you, your family, friends, and people. Thank God for how He's taking care of you. Thank Him for what he's about to do. God goes before us and has the last word. May these three steps help you through every crises in your life.