We are living in a time of uncertainty, immorality, and lawlessness. There seems to be very
little that is good and honest in our world’s society. We have seen so much dishonesty in our
institutions that it's hard to have any confidence in them. We see so much corruption in our
government, business, and even in the church world. It seems that the family and home is
becoming a thing of the past. We see children and parents killing each other, drunkenness,
drugs and sex perversion, wife and child beating, violence in the streets, war and hunger on
every hand. There isn’t much love in the lives of people today, and this is especially true
with many of our church members throughout the land.
This paints a sad and gloomy picture, and we would become very despondent if we didn’t
have some source of hope for a brighter and better future. If we read the Bible, we will soon
see that God said it would be this way in the last days just before His second coming. He
came the first time to bring salvation, but He’s coming the second time to bring judgment.
One of the things that really hurts us is when people turn against us, especially our family
and friends. This happens to us all at one time or another. Most of the time the hurt that this
produces is so deep, and hard to deal with, that only God can help us overcome it in the
right way. It is at this time the need for peace and encouragement is so great that only God
can provide it.
As we look at this third chapter of Psalms, we see that David found himself in this place of
hurt and need. This is a Psalm of David, and can be called “The Morning Psalm.” In the
early morning David had awakened from sleep, after having fled in the middle of the night
from his own son Absalom who was trying to take David’s throne from him. There can be
no doubt that this was one of the lowest times in David’s life. It was during this time, in the
early morning, that he sang this Psalm, this hymn, to God. It was a hymn of worship, praise,
and prayer to God. The apostle Paul speaks of this type of hymn in (Colossians 3:16). “Let
the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one
another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the
Lord.” This is the true place and meaning of singing. We are to sing to the Lord, not to
entertain people and glorify ourselves.
As David sang this hymn to the Lord because of his hurt and discouragement, in it we can
learn some precious things that will help us as we face these hard trials. There are four things
that we want to look at in this Psalm.
little that is good and honest in our world’s society. We have seen so much dishonesty in our
institutions that it's hard to have any confidence in them. We see so much corruption in our
government, business, and even in the church world. It seems that the family and home is
becoming a thing of the past. We see children and parents killing each other, drunkenness,
drugs and sex perversion, wife and child beating, violence in the streets, war and hunger on
every hand. There isn’t much love in the lives of people today, and this is especially true
with many of our church members throughout the land.
This paints a sad and gloomy picture, and we would become very despondent if we didn’t
have some source of hope for a brighter and better future. If we read the Bible, we will soon
see that God said it would be this way in the last days just before His second coming. He
came the first time to bring salvation, but He’s coming the second time to bring judgment.
One of the things that really hurts us is when people turn against us, especially our family
and friends. This happens to us all at one time or another. Most of the time the hurt that this
produces is so deep, and hard to deal with, that only God can help us overcome it in the
right way. It is at this time the need for peace and encouragement is so great that only God
can provide it.
As we look at this third chapter of Psalms, we see that David found himself in this place of
hurt and need. This is a Psalm of David, and can be called “The Morning Psalm.” In the
early morning David had awakened from sleep, after having fled in the middle of the night
from his own son Absalom who was trying to take David’s throne from him. There can be
no doubt that this was one of the lowest times in David’s life. It was during this time, in the
early morning, that he sang this Psalm, this hymn, to God. It was a hymn of worship, praise,
and prayer to God. The apostle Paul speaks of this type of hymn in (Colossians 3:16). “Let
the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one
another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the
Lord.” This is the true place and meaning of singing. We are to sing to the Lord, not to
entertain people and glorify ourselves.
As David sang this hymn to the Lord because of his hurt and discouragement, in it we can
learn some precious things that will help us as we face these hard trials. There are four things
that we want to look at in this Psalm.
| The Morning Hymn |
(Psalms 3:1-2) 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.
Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.”
David was greatly concerned because of the events that had taken place in his home and in
his kingdom. He took his troubles before God. This is the very place that we should take our
troubles. We will see in this Psalm that God will help us just as He helped David. In these
two verses we see two things that David was concerned about.
"LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.”
David was greatly concerned because of the events that had taken place in his home and in
his kingdom. He took his troubles before God. This is the very place that we should take our
troubles. We will see in this Psalm that God will help us just as He helped David. In these
two verses we see two things that David was concerned about.
David Was Concerned About the Multitude of His Enemies
There was an increase of those who troubled David. Many had risen up against him. His
own son Absalom had become his enemy, his counselors and advisers who worked so close
to him had become his enemy, his generals and soldiers, his own army had become his
enemy. Surely this must have broken David’s heart. This kind of hurt cuts deep into the
heart that loves. It always seems that trouble comes in flocks, and sorrow has a large family.
It seems that when one problem arises, there will be many more to follow. Many times we
wonder why these things happen to us. But we can rest assured that God has a purpose in
allowing trials to come our way.
Mrs. Charles Spurgeon was a great sufferer for more than a quarter century. She told of an
incident that happened to her one night as she laid down to rest at the close of a dark and
gloomy day. She said, “I lay resting on my couch as the deeper night drew on; and though all
was bright within my cozy room, some of the external darkness seemed to enter into my soul
and obscure its spiritual vision. In sorrow of heart I asked, ‘Why does my Lord deal thus
with his child? Why does he permit lingering weakness to hinder the sweet service that I long
to render to His poor servants?’ For a while silence reigned in the little room, broken only by
the crackling of the oak log burning in the fireplace. Suddenly I heard a sweet, soft sound, a
little clear musical note like the tender trill of a robin beneath my window. ‘What can it be?’
Surely no bird is singing out there at this time of year and night.” My friend exclaimed, ‘It
came from the log on the fire!’ The fire was letting loose the imprisoned music from the old
log’s inmost heart! Perchance he had garnered up this song in the days when all was well
with him, when birds sang merrily on his branches, and the soft sunlight reflected his tender
leaves with gold. Ah, thought I, when the fire of affliction draws songs of praise from us,
then indeed we are purified, and our God is glorified. As I mused, the fire burned and my
soul found sweet comfort in the parable so strangely set forth before me. Singing in the fire!
Yes, God helping us, if that is the only way to get harmony out of these hard apathetic
hearts, let the furnace be heated seven times hotter that before.” -(Sunday School Times).
Our troubles and trials may put us in the fires of affliction, but it is through these times that
God will refine us to strong faith in Him and He will be glorified. Our hearts will be
strengthened and comforted. He is preparing us for that glorious home in heaven in His holy
presence where there will be no more enemies, sorrow, or trials. We will be at the place of
eternal rest, joy and peace. David was concerned about his enemies as they had increased
and risen up against him, but God was concerned about strengthening his faith and hope.
God is doing the same thing for us today. The Bible says in (I Peter 1:3-9) “Blessed be the
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath
begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To
an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven
for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be
revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be,
ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much
more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto
praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye
love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable
and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your
souls.”
Let us take courage that God is always with us. He is testing our faith so we can be better
servants for Him. Faith by its very nature has to be tested and tried in order to grow strong.
Let us not become discouraged as we face the troubles and trials that come our way.
own son Absalom had become his enemy, his counselors and advisers who worked so close
to him had become his enemy, his generals and soldiers, his own army had become his
enemy. Surely this must have broken David’s heart. This kind of hurt cuts deep into the
heart that loves. It always seems that trouble comes in flocks, and sorrow has a large family.
It seems that when one problem arises, there will be many more to follow. Many times we
wonder why these things happen to us. But we can rest assured that God has a purpose in
allowing trials to come our way.
Mrs. Charles Spurgeon was a great sufferer for more than a quarter century. She told of an
incident that happened to her one night as she laid down to rest at the close of a dark and
gloomy day. She said, “I lay resting on my couch as the deeper night drew on; and though all
was bright within my cozy room, some of the external darkness seemed to enter into my soul
and obscure its spiritual vision. In sorrow of heart I asked, ‘Why does my Lord deal thus
with his child? Why does he permit lingering weakness to hinder the sweet service that I long
to render to His poor servants?’ For a while silence reigned in the little room, broken only by
the crackling of the oak log burning in the fireplace. Suddenly I heard a sweet, soft sound, a
little clear musical note like the tender trill of a robin beneath my window. ‘What can it be?’
Surely no bird is singing out there at this time of year and night.” My friend exclaimed, ‘It
came from the log on the fire!’ The fire was letting loose the imprisoned music from the old
log’s inmost heart! Perchance he had garnered up this song in the days when all was well
with him, when birds sang merrily on his branches, and the soft sunlight reflected his tender
leaves with gold. Ah, thought I, when the fire of affliction draws songs of praise from us,
then indeed we are purified, and our God is glorified. As I mused, the fire burned and my
soul found sweet comfort in the parable so strangely set forth before me. Singing in the fire!
Yes, God helping us, if that is the only way to get harmony out of these hard apathetic
hearts, let the furnace be heated seven times hotter that before.” -(Sunday School Times).
Our troubles and trials may put us in the fires of affliction, but it is through these times that
God will refine us to strong faith in Him and He will be glorified. Our hearts will be
strengthened and comforted. He is preparing us for that glorious home in heaven in His holy
presence where there will be no more enemies, sorrow, or trials. We will be at the place of
eternal rest, joy and peace. David was concerned about his enemies as they had increased
and risen up against him, but God was concerned about strengthening his faith and hope.
God is doing the same thing for us today. The Bible says in (I Peter 1:3-9) “Blessed be the
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath
begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To
an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven
for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be
revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be,
ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much
more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto
praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye
love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable
and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your
souls.”
Let us take courage that God is always with us. He is testing our faith so we can be better
servants for Him. Faith by its very nature has to be tested and tried in order to grow strong.
Let us not become discouraged as we face the troubles and trials that come our way.
David Was Concerned About the Method of His Enemies
His enemies said that there was no help for David from God. This was the worst thing that
they could say about him. This hurt him deeply. They thought that God would not help
David defeat his enemies as He had before because of his great sin against God. This is the
worst attack on God’s people. They were throwing David’s sin up to him, even though God
had forgiven him. David reaped greatly because of his sin. The sword did not depart from
his house. Even at this time, David’s son was trying to take the throne from him. We must
never forget that there is no test from heaven, no trials of the cross on earth, or temptations
ascending from hell, can cause the Lord God to forsake His child in affliction, as David
received help from God during his trials, so can we. We have a direct promise from the
Word of God. It says in (Hebrews 4:15-16) “For we have not an high priest which cannot
be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are,
yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain
mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” People may say all manner of things about
us, but let us never forget that God has never failed one of his children.
The apostle Paul faced many temptations, troubles, and trials as he walked and worked for
the Lord Jesus. He discovered a tremendous source of strength from God. He said in (II
Corinthians 12:7-10) “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance
of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to
buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord
thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in
my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in
infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake:
for when I am weak, then am I strong.” God’s grace is sufficient for every trial and
temptation that we face. To experience this grace, we simply take God at His word, that is
trust in His promises by faith. The following promises from God’s Word should be sufficient
ground to trust in the Lord through all troubles of life. (Romans 8:28-39) “And we know that
all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called
according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be
conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he
also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to
these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but
delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who
shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that
condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right
hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of
Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or
sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as
sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him
that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth,
nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in
Christ Jesus our Lord.” If we trust in the Lord, and stand on these promises in this passage
of Scripture, victory is ours! There is no need to be concerned about the multitude or the
method of our enemies.
they could say about him. This hurt him deeply. They thought that God would not help
David defeat his enemies as He had before because of his great sin against God. This is the
worst attack on God’s people. They were throwing David’s sin up to him, even though God
had forgiven him. David reaped greatly because of his sin. The sword did not depart from
his house. Even at this time, David’s son was trying to take the throne from him. We must
never forget that there is no test from heaven, no trials of the cross on earth, or temptations
ascending from hell, can cause the Lord God to forsake His child in affliction, as David
received help from God during his trials, so can we. We have a direct promise from the
Word of God. It says in (Hebrews 4:15-16) “For we have not an high priest which cannot
be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are,
yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain
mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” People may say all manner of things about
us, but let us never forget that God has never failed one of his children.
The apostle Paul faced many temptations, troubles, and trials as he walked and worked for
the Lord Jesus. He discovered a tremendous source of strength from God. He said in (II
Corinthians 12:7-10) “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance
of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to
buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord
thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in
my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in
infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake:
for when I am weak, then am I strong.” God’s grace is sufficient for every trial and
temptation that we face. To experience this grace, we simply take God at His word, that is
trust in His promises by faith. The following promises from God’s Word should be sufficient
ground to trust in the Lord through all troubles of life. (Romans 8:28-39) “And we know that
all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called
according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be
conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he
also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to
these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but
delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who
shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that
condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right
hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of
Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or
sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as
sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him
that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth,
nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in
Christ Jesus our Lord.” If we trust in the Lord, and stand on these promises in this passage
of Scripture, victory is ours! There is no need to be concerned about the multitude or the
method of our enemies.
| Psalm 3 |
David's Concern Before God
David's Confidence in God
| (Psalm 3:3-4) “But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.” |
David Had Great Confidence in God's Ability to Protect Him in His Troubles
In verse 4 we see that God is three things to David, and to us as well. First, He is our shield.
Our enemies may cast many arrows and fiery darts at us, but the Lord will be our shield to
turn them away. He will disable their power to hurt us. People may say hard things and do
many things that hurt us deeply, but God will protect us from the hurt and sorrow as we stand
on His promises.
The shield wraps around the soldier to protect him from all sides. God protects us by His grace
and favor. He wraps His favor around us as a shield (Psalms 5:12) “For thou, Lord, wilt bless
the righteous; with favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield.” This is why the Lord told
Paul that His grace was sufficient for every need.
Second, God is our glory. David knew that even though he was driven from his throne, God
would let him return. He would glorify David by letting him take his appointed place as the
king over Israel. God had given David his glory, and He would preserve it for him.
God is also our glory. Even in this life God gives us the place of glory many times, He places
us in many high positions, in positions that we may receive honour. If others try to rob us of
the glory, God will be there to protect us. Then we are headed for the place of glory that this
old world has never see. we will be glorified with the Lord Jesus Christ. So the present troubles
and trials are not worth worrying about. The Bible says in (Romans 8:17-18) “And if children,
then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we
may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not
worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Third, God is the “Lifter up of our heads.” What David was saying here is, though I hang my
head in sorrow, I will soon be lifted up with joy and thanksgiving. God will not let His children
hang their head in shame and sorrow long. The Bible says in (Psalms 27:6) “And now shall
mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his
tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.” When God
lifts up our head, we with thanksgiving and joy sing. When a person is singing with joy in their
heart, they are not singing with their head hung low in shame and sorrow. When God lifts up
our heads, He replaces the shame and sorrow with love, joy, and peace.
Our enemies may cast many arrows and fiery darts at us, but the Lord will be our shield to
turn them away. He will disable their power to hurt us. People may say hard things and do
many things that hurt us deeply, but God will protect us from the hurt and sorrow as we stand
on His promises.
The shield wraps around the soldier to protect him from all sides. God protects us by His grace
and favor. He wraps His favor around us as a shield (Psalms 5:12) “For thou, Lord, wilt bless
the righteous; with favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield.” This is why the Lord told
Paul that His grace was sufficient for every need.
Second, God is our glory. David knew that even though he was driven from his throne, God
would let him return. He would glorify David by letting him take his appointed place as the
king over Israel. God had given David his glory, and He would preserve it for him.
God is also our glory. Even in this life God gives us the place of glory many times, He places
us in many high positions, in positions that we may receive honour. If others try to rob us of
the glory, God will be there to protect us. Then we are headed for the place of glory that this
old world has never see. we will be glorified with the Lord Jesus Christ. So the present troubles
and trials are not worth worrying about. The Bible says in (Romans 8:17-18) “And if children,
then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we
may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not
worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Third, God is the “Lifter up of our heads.” What David was saying here is, though I hang my
head in sorrow, I will soon be lifted up with joy and thanksgiving. God will not let His children
hang their head in shame and sorrow long. The Bible says in (Psalms 27:6) “And now shall
mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his
tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.” When God
lifts up our head, we with thanksgiving and joy sing. When a person is singing with joy in their
heart, they are not singing with their head hung low in shame and sorrow. When God lifts up
our heads, He replaces the shame and sorrow with love, joy, and peace.
David Had Great Confidence in God's Hearing His Prayer
He said in (verse 4) “I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy
hill. Selah.” We notice that David cried out with his voice. God hears silent prayers, but there
are times when we need to pray out loud. David’s enemies were crying out with loud voices
against him, but he cried out to God and God heard him. Where would we be without prayer?
The Lord Jesus was always praying to the Father when He was here on earth. How much
more should we mortal beings need to pray!
We all would be more spiritual if we lifted up our voices in prayer more often. Even in our
churches we have become much too quiet in prayer. An officer once complained to General
Stonewall Jackson that some soldiers were making a noise in their tent. “What are they doing?”
asked the General. “They are praying now, but they have been singing," was the reply. “And
is that a crime?” the General demanded. “The articles of war order punishment for an unusual
noise,” was the reply. And General Jackson said, “God forbid that praying should be an
unusual noise in the camp!” God forbid that praying cease to be heard in our churches and in
our homes. As David, we must have confidence in God hearing and answering our prayers.
hill. Selah.” We notice that David cried out with his voice. God hears silent prayers, but there
are times when we need to pray out loud. David’s enemies were crying out with loud voices
against him, but he cried out to God and God heard him. Where would we be without prayer?
The Lord Jesus was always praying to the Father when He was here on earth. How much
more should we mortal beings need to pray!
We all would be more spiritual if we lifted up our voices in prayer more often. Even in our
churches we have become much too quiet in prayer. An officer once complained to General
Stonewall Jackson that some soldiers were making a noise in their tent. “What are they doing?”
asked the General. “They are praying now, but they have been singing," was the reply. “And
is that a crime?” the General demanded. “The articles of war order punishment for an unusual
noise,” was the reply. And General Jackson said, “God forbid that praying should be an
unusual noise in the camp!” God forbid that praying cease to be heard in our churches and in
our homes. As David, we must have confidence in God hearing and answering our prayers.
David's Contentment with God
| (Psalms 3:5-6) “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.” |
David's Rest of Faith at Bedtime
David was able to lie down and sleep that night, even though he was pursued by his enemies.
Worry and anxiety has been the robber of many nights' sleep of God’s children whose faith is
weak. This is why we must have our faith tested and tried. As David was tried many times, so
must we be tried that we may be like David when troubles come. He laid down and went to
sleep trusting in God to protect him through it all. It was David’s faith that enabled him to sleep
in perfect contentment. God has sustained him during the night. He will sustain us as well. Let
us trust in Him to watch over us when we need to lie down and rest. We must have rest in
order to finish our course and race set before us. We must sleep. But remember, while we are
asleep, God never sleeps. He is right there watching over us every moment. If we don’t awake
in this world, we will awake in the brightness of God’s eternal day in heaven.
Worry and anxiety has been the robber of many nights' sleep of God’s children whose faith is
weak. This is why we must have our faith tested and tried. As David was tried many times, so
must we be tried that we may be like David when troubles come. He laid down and went to
sleep trusting in God to protect him through it all. It was David’s faith that enabled him to sleep
in perfect contentment. God has sustained him during the night. He will sustain us as well. Let
us trust in Him to watch over us when we need to lie down and rest. We must have rest in
order to finish our course and race set before us. We must sleep. But remember, while we are
asleep, God never sleeps. He is right there watching over us every moment. If we don’t awake
in this world, we will awake in the brightness of God’s eternal day in heaven.
David's Strength of Faith in Battle
David realizes that his enemies are many in number. He does not deny this, not try to hide
from the fact. He faces the truth of it. But he does not tremble. He is not afraid of them. His
trust is in the Lord, his shield, his glory, and the lifter up of his head. He knows that all power
belongs to God. He knows that God is faithful in all that He does. With faith and trust like this,
why should we be afraid, no matter how many enemies we have. As the children of God, we
are His purchased property. He gave His only begotten Son to redeem us from sin and
condemnation. He is not about to lose a one of us. We need not fear anything that is less than
God almighty. God promised us this in (Isaiah 41:10-13) “Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will
uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed
against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive
with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that
contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help
thee.” It is no wonder that David could say he was not afraid of his enemies. It was because
his trust was in God. He was standing on the promises of God, and not on himself - so should
we.
A lack of trust in God will keep us from having victory over fear. Once a man was compelled
to cross a wide, frozen river. Notwithstanding the assurances of those who were thoroughly
familiar with the region and repeatedly crossed the solid ice, the man feared to undertake the
trip, but finally began to crawl his way over. When near the middle of the frozen river he was
startled by a sound in the distance, and caught sight of a man driving a heavy wagon loaded
with iron; yet there was not the least sight of a crack in the ice. What a foolish thing to fear and
crawl like that! It was all because of a lack of trust in those who knew the river, and had
crossed the ice many times. So many of us today will not trust in the promises of God. Will the
Word of God hold? Yes! Do not crawl with fear through this life when we can walk upright
joyfully with God.
from the fact. He faces the truth of it. But he does not tremble. He is not afraid of them. His
trust is in the Lord, his shield, his glory, and the lifter up of his head. He knows that all power
belongs to God. He knows that God is faithful in all that He does. With faith and trust like this,
why should we be afraid, no matter how many enemies we have. As the children of God, we
are His purchased property. He gave His only begotten Son to redeem us from sin and
condemnation. He is not about to lose a one of us. We need not fear anything that is less than
God almighty. God promised us this in (Isaiah 41:10-13) “Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will
uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed
against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive
with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that
contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help
thee.” It is no wonder that David could say he was not afraid of his enemies. It was because
his trust was in God. He was standing on the promises of God, and not on himself - so should
we.
A lack of trust in God will keep us from having victory over fear. Once a man was compelled
to cross a wide, frozen river. Notwithstanding the assurances of those who were thoroughly
familiar with the region and repeatedly crossed the solid ice, the man feared to undertake the
trip, but finally began to crawl his way over. When near the middle of the frozen river he was
startled by a sound in the distance, and caught sight of a man driving a heavy wagon loaded
with iron; yet there was not the least sight of a crack in the ice. What a foolish thing to fear and
crawl like that! It was all because of a lack of trust in those who knew the river, and had
crossed the ice many times. So many of us today will not trust in the promises of God. Will the
Word of God hold? Yes! Do not crawl with fear through this life when we can walk upright
joyfully with God.
David's Courage from God
| (Psalms 3:7-8) “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. Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.” |
David's Courage Came Through God's Past Dealings with His Enemies
David had experienced the power of God in dealing with his enemies many times in the past.
His faith in God was so strong that all God had to do was arise and he would be saved from
his enemies. This is powerful faith that pleases God. Again, this is another reason why God
must allow us to face tests and trails as we travel through this life. As we run into troubles,
God will deliver us in them, thus we learn by experience, the power and ability of God to save
us in our afflictions. This will give us great courage in the time of trouble, in the very presence
of our enemies. David said in (Psalms 23:5) “Thou preparest a table before me in the
presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
His faith in God was so strong that all God had to do was arise and he would be saved from
his enemies. This is powerful faith that pleases God. Again, this is another reason why God
must allow us to face tests and trails as we travel through this life. As we run into troubles,
God will deliver us in them, thus we learn by experience, the power and ability of God to save
us in our afflictions. This will give us great courage in the time of trouble, in the very presence
of our enemies. David said in (Psalms 23:5) “Thou preparest a table before me in the
presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
David's Courage Came Through God's Present Dealings with His People
David learned long ago that salvation was the work of God, and not the work of man. He
learned that salvation was by the grace of God, and not by the works of man. (Ephesians 2:8-
10) “ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of
God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in
Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
The salvation from David’s enemies also came from the Lord. Through this third Psalm we
see David acknowledging that God is the One who gives victory. David could not defeat his
enemies on his own. Salvation from sin, and salvation from our trials, troubles, temptations
and our enemies comes only through the Lord. All salvation belongs to God. This gives us
great assurance and courage.
God’s blessings are upon His people. He blesses us as He blesses no other people. Whatever
we need He is there with the provision. “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”
learned that salvation was by the grace of God, and not by the works of man. (Ephesians 2:8-
10) “ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of
God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in
Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
The salvation from David’s enemies also came from the Lord. Through this third Psalm we
see David acknowledging that God is the One who gives victory. David could not defeat his
enemies on his own. Salvation from sin, and salvation from our trials, troubles, temptations
and our enemies comes only through the Lord. All salvation belongs to God. This gives us
great assurance and courage.
God’s blessings are upon His people. He blesses us as He blesses no other people. Whatever
we need He is there with the provision. “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”
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Blessed Hope
A Continuing Ministry of Milford Cecil
A Continuing Ministry of Milford Cecil
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