The Cry of a Heart // Psalm 3
Psalm 3,
“God! Look! Enemies past counting! Enemies sprouting like mushrooms, mobs of them all around me, roaring their mockery: ‘Hah! No help for him from God!’
But you, God, shield me on all sides; you ground my feet, you lift my head high; with all my might I shout up to God, His answers thunder from the holy mountain.
I stretch myself out. I sleep. Then I’m up again—rested, tall and steady, Fearless before the enemy mobs coming at me from all sides.
Up, God! My God, help me! Slap their faces, first this cheek, then the other, your fist hard in their teeth!
Real help comes from God. Your blessing clothes your people!”
You've most likely been in that place where you felt like the world was against you. When it seemed no matter how hard you tried to do right everything went wrong. When you felt like you couldn't get your head above the raging waters around you. When you felt alone and even God seemed distant.
Chances are likely that you'll end up in that place again. That's why this psalm and this devotional is so important. Perhaps you're feeling these very emotions now and need some encouragement. Pay close attention.
Psalm 3 is one of the many Psalms penned by King David and in this one, he is quite distressed. When he wrote these words he was in exile; driven out of his palace by his very own son, Absalom. You can read more about their story in 2 Samuel 15-18 but essentially Absalom desires to overthrow his own father.
A few chapters prior Absalom's brother, Ammon, raped their sister and he was able to get away with it. David did nothing to punish the sin and bitterness no doubt grew in Absalom's heart over the violation made to his sister. Two years later Absalom killed Ammon and set out to take the throne from his father.
Absalom did eventually gain a following and he was able to drive his father David out from the palace. David was crushed, having been betrayed by his own son. Many people were out to get David and it's in Psalm 3 he shared his inward struggle.
David proclaims many are against him and we've indeed felt that at times. But then David has his "but" moment; it's something he's very good at. Time and again we see David get a hold of himself throughout the Bible, showing us that we must do so ourselves. Emotions have the ability to capture us like a runaway wagon but we must reign them back in. That's what David does in verse 3.
David begins reminding himself about who God really is and what He's capable of. That even if thousands come against him, God will defend him. I absolutely love the words in verse 3b when David describes that his feet are grounded in God and his head is lifted up to the Almighty. What a beautiful picture that in God we have a strong foundation under us and mighty Gove above us. It reminds me of Zephaniah 3:17,
“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
If you're struggling to believe that God is with you in your season of distress and loneliness, let these words wash over you. He is with you...He is mighty to save you...He will calm your fears...and He is over you.
When God is on your side you can cry out to God and rest in Him. David proclaimed in the Psalm that after he cried to God he rested and awoke fearless. His "but" gave him perspective.
David closed out the Psalm with a confidence that God would take up his defense and that the only real help to get him through the trial was from God alone.
It's important for you to have your "but" moment when up against it; to get a hold of your emotions and remind yourself of who is in control. God Almighty will be your shield and defense; rest in Him.
Though the world may be against you, cry out to God and He wil be for you. He's all you need.
RESOURCES PERFECTLY COUPLED WITH THIS SERIES
Click the image above to download the free scripture print for this series! It's a great way to memorize an encouraging verse while staying in tuned with the series.
One of my favorite worship albums of all time is one put out by the ladies of the Red Rocks Church worship team. It's 4 songs developed out of their favorite psalms and it's some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard! Click on the album to purchase it in itunes.
