Day 3 - Psalm 3 - Songs of Courage

Psalm 3 is a song of the heart.

On the right side of the Psalm, there is the word, Selah which may mean "pause, crescendo or musical interlude." It is no wonder we see musical references as Psalm 3 was written by David who was not only a shepherd, giant slayer, king but also musician.

It is the song of his heart that day.

He sings to the Lord a song about his troubles. In prayer, he sings and lifts his voice to heaven. He cries out about his enemies and those who are against him. The context of this psalm tells us he is in hiding and in fear for his life.

"Many", he says, "are rising against him" and they mock him and say,  "There is no deliverance for him in God." Imagine the loneliness and angst of his soul as his enemies want to not only overtake him but convince him that even his very God is not with him.

David's tone then changes. The lyrics of his soul turn to the following words that reflect a new conviction of his heart.....

"But Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me

(a promise of protection)

My glory, and the One who lifts my head.

(a promise of hope)

I was crying to the Lord with my voice and He answered from His holy mountain.

(a promise of relationship, intimacy)

I lay down and slept

(rest is the result).

I awoke for the Lord sustains me.

(a promise of strength)

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about."

(courage is the result)

He then concludes by crying out again for deliverance, claiming God's faithfulness in the past and that He is not only able, but willing to save him.

In the process and discipline of crying to the Lord, David's heart turns from despair and feeling overwhelmed to the assurance of who is his God. When we cry to the Lord. When we worship Him and lift Him up above our troubles, we claim His promises and receive His gifts. He is ready to answer us.

We see that He is God and we do not need to fear.

Enemies of our lives and souls are all around us. There is much what wants to bring us down, discourage us. Life and it's circumstances can often try and take us out. God's promises are clear that He is with us.


But what happens when it hits very close to home? This psalm was written when David was running and hiding and fearing Absalom, his own son.


Absalom desired to removed his father, King David from his throne. Absalom began to build an army and began to "turn the hearts of the people of Israel against David". Absalom wanted to be king. This story also comes after David's moral fall with Bathsheba. The once brave King David who united the nation of Israel and to whom God promised peace and protection from his enemies now is running for his life against his son.

Yet, in his relationship with God, he calls out. And God hears. And God responds and protects David. It doesn't matter what the past is, it doesn't matter how far we fall away from the person we desire to be, God is simply a song of praise away.

He is ready to...
hear,
protect,
encourage,
instill hope,
give rest
and put us back on our feet.

He is not like man. He is faithful in the midst of our faithlessness.

So when we are ready to cower and raise the white flag, lift up a song of praise and see what happens.