READ: Ps. 3:1–9: … Arise, O LORD; Save me, O my God … Salvation belongs to the LORD. Your blessing is upon Your people.
Here we read for the first time the word Psalm. By this is meant a poem that is sung in worship services with accompaniment by musical instruments.
This psalm describes a dangerous morning in the life of King David, who himself composed the song. David had to experience that his life was at stake when his own son Absalom carried out a coup in Hebron with the help of troops who had defected to him (2 Sam. 15–16).
All of this happened so unexpectedly that David had no choice but to flee for his life, away from Jerusalem. During that flight he is even cursed by Shimei (2 Sam. 16:7–8). He sees himself as the anointed of the LORD with a few faithful followers facing numerous enemies.
To what extent can we apply this situation to our own lives? We may think of the spiritual battle that is being fought in the world, in which the faithful church of Christ is the target of hostilities.
Eph. 6:12: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” These powers also have many people in their service (Rev. 13:3ff.).
That can even be very close: one’s own family (Matt. 10:21–22; Luke 21:16–17). Most difficult of all is when people say that you will find no deliverance with God (v. 3).
When David, in these threatening circumstances, turns to the LORD, he receives the necessary confidence and courage of faith. The LORD is almighty, faithful, and gracious. He can and will give complete deliverance in distress to all who place their trust in Him.
God had already been a shield to David before; so He is now (v. 4). Therefore David is certain of being heard; he can go on with uplifted head. He can also find restful sleep at night without anxiety. This is true now as well for all who faithfully follow the LORD: in everything His salvation and His blessing may be expected.
How do we experience God as our shield?
Singing: Ps. 3:1,4