Friday 3rd January
Read Psalm 3
“Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
2 Many are saying of me,
‘God will not deliver him.’
3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
4 I call out to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.
5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side.
7 Arise, Lord!
Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.
8 From the Lord comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people.” (NIVUK)
Written by a man feeling persecuted is the first impression, someone who is willing to seek God’s help even when those around are sceptical of God’s power. David sees God as a protector (shield) who will give him the strength to trust (head held high). Day and night as I speak with God he hears, and he is with me says David (protect and rescue). The holy mountain reference is possibly David thinking of God’s power and majesty revealed at Sinai, his support is all powerful and quite capable of handling tens of thousands who are persecuting him. Yes Lord, says David, give them a good punch in the mouth (knockout blow) as you show your power and deliver me. The final verses are interesting, although previous requests have been personal and seeming a little aggressive, the final statements are a request for God to act in justice and to bring blessing for God’s people who king David represents, maybe his requests for deliverance are not just about himself. The psalm is a reminder that the God we worship is all powerful and always aware of our circumstances, good or bad. He will protect us when we turn to Him and will allow us to see the larger plan He has for the salvation for His people.
Geoff Hinch
