Praying our Fears in the Midst of Turmoil: Psalm 3

Introduction

In Philippians 4:6 we are told to be anxious of nothing but instead be in prayer and supplications, letting our requests be made known to God. Where do we find refuge when our hearts are weary and our minds are fearful? Do we suppress our fears and anxieties? Do we dwell on them and allow them to consume our thoughts and motives?

Who is the Ulitmate “lifter of your head”? I believe that in Psalm 3 David displays one of the greatest examples of how we are to pray our fears.

Background

Dubbed the “Morning Hmyn”, we find that David is being pursued by his son and his life and reputation were at hand (2 Sam 19).

*Read Psalm 3 - Pray

Where do we find refuge when our hearts are weary and our minds are fearful? Do we suppress our fears and anxieties? Do we dwell on them and allow them consume our thoughts and motives? Who is the Ultimate “lifter of your head”?

Psalm 3 (Overview)

vv. 1-2: A Complaint: David brings his fears straight to God

vv. 3-4: David displays where he finds his Confidence

vv. 5-6: David finds Rest and Sings of Safety

vv.7-8: David reflects on the Salvation that comes from God. ( Ps. 37:39; 62:7; Isa. 43:11; 45:21; Jer. 3:23; Hos. 13:4; Jonah 2:9; Rev. 7:10; 19:1)

Questions

vv. 1-2: What charges are being brought against David? What does “There is no salvation for him in God” mean?

2 Samuel 16:8 ESV

The Lord has avenged on you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the Lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, your evil is on you, for you are a man of blood.”

Just as Saul’s kingdom was taken from him and God’s Spirit removed, the people are suggesting that David is under God’s wrath, perhaps due to his Affair?

vv. 3: What declaration does David make of God?

Psalm 3:3 ESV

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.

Why was David so convinced that God will save him ?

-2 Sam 7

1 Chronicles 17:11–14 ESV

When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.’ ”

Implications of the Davidic Covenant?

vv. 5-6:

Where does David ultimatley find his rest?

“David expresses a wonderful and almost incredible steadfastness of mind in that he slept so soundly in the midst of many deaths, as if he had been beyond the reach of all danger. He had doubtless been tossed amidst the merciless waves of anxiety, but it is certain their violence had been allayed by means of faith, so that however much he was disturbed, he rested in God.” - John Calvin Commentary on Psalms

vv. 7-8

How does David reflect on the Salvation that comes from God?

Calvin understand this as a declaration that Salvation CAN only belong to the Lord!

Who does he lift up in prayer in verse 8?

Israel! What does this say about our own fears?

What does this say about the relationship of love and fear?

1 John 4:18 ESV

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

*Idea comes from Tim Keller*

Doxology-

“Remember that it was Jesus who bowed his head that you may have your head lifted. (John 19:30). You have no right to bow your head now. There is no reason to despair! For the greatest ills and enemies lay slain in the shadow of the crucified Savior who rose again.” - ERIK RAYMOND, TGC

Additional Content: Tim Keller- “Praying our Fears”

1. Go forward in obedience, whatever the cost/ “you are my sheild”.

2. Seek my identity in God, instead of the thing I'm scared to lose. vv.3 “you are my glory” from finite to God.

3. Look to the cross, where my significance comes from vv. 4

4. Forget myself in love for others. vv. 8, 1 Jn 4:18

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8tdA8YMOYM