Psalm 3 was written by David when he was fleeing from his son, Absalom. His very own son whom he loved sought to take over the throne and led a revolt against him, having won over the loyalty of his friends and subjects. His enemy was advancing, his life was in danger, and the word out there was that God will not deliver him (v2).
Can you imagine the levels of stress and anxiety that David was experiencing? His son was against him, his subjects were against him, and people were saying that God was against him. When things get difficult, do you wonder if God is against you? Has anyone ever told you that there is no help for you in God? What was your response?
David responded by calling out to the Lord, and God answered him from His holy hill (v4). People were saying that he was on his own but David knew the truth: God had not forsaken him. He also knew that God is a shield around him (v3). David had so strong a confidence in God that it enabled him to lie down and sleep (v5).
For someone who was experiencing such intense stress, it was nigh miraculous that David could stay still, let alone sleep. Many of us find sleep to be impossible when confronted with stressful situations. We feel anxious and restless, often times allowing ourselves to be starved of peace and rest because we are unable to switch off. But David could sleep even as he ran for his life, with an army in hot pursuit. He slept even though closing his eyes meant that his enemies could sneak up on him as he lay there, vulnerable and defenceless.
I am sure David feared for his life. Yet, he could still declare, “I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side” (v6). David could be bold in the face of his fears because his eyes were fixed on God, and not his enemies or even his own army. He trusted God to be his shield, and indeed He was, for not only was David able to sleep, he was also able to wake up! God was the One protecting, sustaining, and delivering him.
David also declared that God was his glory (v3). God was the One who lifted his head high and gave him confidence in the midst of danger and turmoil. Absalom sough glory for himself – in the power that he had garnered, in the position that he had established among his followers, and in his success of possessing the city of Jerusalem from his father. But David gloried in God. Absalom pursued the splendour of an earthly throne but David pursued the everlasting God who sits on a heavenly throne.
Are you in a tight situation? Does it feel like everything has turned against you? The God of King David is the same God we know today. Cry out to Him. Trust Him and affirm Him as your shield and your glory. Fix your eyes on Him and He will lift your head high. For indeed, as David says in verse 8, from the Lord comes deliverance.