In our journey through the Psalms together hosted by Erica at Butterfly Kisses, we’re looking at Psalm 3 this week. I hope you can join us!

A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son.

1 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

7 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.

8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

In this day and time in the U.S., many of us would have a hard time trying to imagine what it would be like to have to hide from an active enemy bent on destroying us. The fear and uncertainty would be multiplied in this case when David’s self-proclaimed enemy was his own son who raised up an army to overthrow him. But as was his habit, David encouraged himself in the Lord. He knew by previous experience that those who said, “There is no help for him in God” were mistaken. He knew he could call on the Lord for protection, safety, sustenance, and deliverance. He could rest his heart in the Lord.

What enemies do we have today? Our “adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8). “Friendship of the world is enmity with God” (James 4:4): there is a world system which has set itself against the Lord. There may come a time when we face persecution for our faith or a war on our soil. We may have smaller-scale “enemies” in the form of a rival who is after our job or a neighbor with a grievance. In every circumstance we can do as David did. Remind ourselves of God’s promises. Call out to Him for protection. Keep from falling for lies by relying on God’s truth and character. Trust Him for the outcome. Rest in His care.