Psalm 3

Confidence in Troubled Times

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

1 Lord, how my foes increase!
There are many who attack me.

2 Many say about me,
“There is no help for him in God.”Selah

3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.

4 I cry aloud to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy mountain. Selah

5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again because the Lord sustains me.

6  I will not be afraid of thousands of people who have taken their stand against me on every side.

7 Rise up, Lord!
Save me, my God!
You strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.

8 Salvation belongs to the Lord;
may your blessing be on your people. Selah

REVERENCE

God’s praiseworthy attributes found in this text:

• He is our help in times of trouble– v. 1
• He is our shield – v. 3
• He gives us the strength to keep living – v. 3
• He answers us when we call out to Him – v. 4
• He provides rest for our weary souls – v. 5
• He saves – v. 7
• He is our defender – v. 7
• Salvation belongs to Him – v. 8

Possible prayer prompts:

• I praise You for being the constant, the same yesterday, today, and forever . . .
• I praise You for being a good God that protects your people from the devil . . .
• I praise You for being strong enough to fight battles we could never win on our own  . . .
• I praise You for not being far away, but close enough to hear us whisper  . . .
• I praise You for being the One we find ultimate rest and freedom. . .
• I praise You for bringing salvation to me and rescuing, redeeming, and restoring me to Your loving arms . . .

RESPONSE

• Thank You for never being too far from me . . .
• Because You are good we can find rest . . .
• You have already fought my battles and won the victory over sin and death for me . . . 
• You are the only One who can save and provide salvation to all who receive. . .

REQUESTS

• God, help me to remember that you do not change, that You are from everlasting to everlasting . . .
• Lord, when I am tempted to sin and hurt You, remind me that You are my protector and defender. You are behind me and before me. . .
• I pray for (name) that you will use me to share Your loving grace with them today . . .
• Let me not forget that I too am a sinner in need of grace. . .
• I pray that those You place in authority over our lives will rule justly . . .
• I pray for those serving as missionaries in hostile environments will be encouraged by Your Holy Spirit . . .

READINESS

• Today, as I seek to live according to Your will, I ask for Your love and grace as I live out Your command to love You, and love others. Each person I interact with will come with words that I speak to them; let them be life-giving and not life-taking. Give me rest from my work, but help me to find ultimate rest in You . . .