Psalm 3

I am so thankful for the Psalms of David, particularly.  They make him real.....like me.  

I went back and read the stories that precipitated this psalm. in II Samuel.  First, David
sins by committing adultery with Bathsheba, then he has her husband murdered.  When confronted by the prophet, Nathan, a curse is pronounced:  The sword would never depart from him and trouble would rise up from within his own family, and for his own family.  

Time moves on, and eventually David's son, Absalom murders his brother, Amnon over the rape of their sister, Tamar. (Lotsa family trouble there! )  Then after a few more years of banishment from the country and the king's house, Absalom begins to do some fancy political footwork, and wins the loyalty of many of the countrymen for himself, AGAINST his father, David, the king.  When the coupe becomes apparent to David, he is forced to flee for his life.  

And he writes this psalm.   I am so glad for the titles that give history for some of the Psalms!  What depth they lend to the meaning!  

Even after his guilt and remorse over his gross sin......even after that pronouncement of judgement because of it......even when things looked bad....really bad.....David knows the sure refuge to be found in God.  I recall the notes from psalm one and two:  There is no refuge FROM God, only IN Him!  David knew this well.  

He speaks the problem:   so many foes! All of whom say there is no hope, refuge, or salvation for him.  

But rather than moan and mumble about it, or take counsel from the wicked, or sit with the scoffers, or walk with the wicked, or rage with the nations, he runs to his God, and praises Him.  

I love verse 3.  "But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head." 

My friend, Christy, many years ago said that she pictured a mother lovingly cupping the chin of her sad-faced and hurting child and lifting that face so that the eyes could meet hers, and speaking loving words of comfort and peace.  What a picture!  

I have a note written in my Bible.....that 'glory' means 'substance'.  Oh God, You are my SUBSTANCE.  What I live for, HOW I live, WHY I live.....all that I have is owed to you, both tangible and intangible.  

In the midst of great trouble, David doesn't just name his troubles, but he runs to the only sure source of help and refuge. He doesn't wallow in misery and a 'woe is me' attitude.  He flies into action, seeking God's help.  But there is more to it than just seeking God's help.  He is SURE of it.  There is no wondering IF God will help, or wanting to know when, or how.  Just simply help me Oh God, and then because he is sure of it........ 

  "I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me."  

I love that verse!  

When I am praying, I often use that line when thanking God for who He is and all He does.  There is another verse somewhere that is similar....about when I lay down I am with him, and when I wake up He is still with me.  I draw great comfort from that.  

Oh that I were more like David, and when anxieties, fears, and troubles come, that I would automatically run to God.  He has taught me, through many trials over the past few years, to do just that, but how often I try on my own to overcome them, or allow them to dominate my thought and attitudes before I remember to cry out to the Lord.  And when I do, He is faithful to be just what he has said he would be....my substance, my shield, deliverer, refuge, etc.  

Oh Father!   Thank You for the wisdom in your Word!  For the examples you have blessed us with!  Praise You for being my substance and the lifter of my head!  You have brought me low and broken me to teach me of my own sin and You have lifted me up and blessed me beyond measure, both materially and spiritually.  Thank You for being my shield and deliverer, my refuge and a very present help in trouble!