The Believer's Protection

Psalm 3 - Bible Study

Introduction

This Psalm was either composed or at least meditated in David’s thoughts when he fled from his son Absalom.

Absalom had created a conspiracy against David. Not to only take the crown, but to go as far as taking his life! (2 Samuel 15)

In great grief, David made the trek up the mount of olives bare foot and head covered. This is where he penned this comforting Psalm about the believer’s protection in the God of Heaven.

1) Surrounded By Dark Forces (vv1-2)

He was now in great danger!

Quote: He seemed cowardly in fleeing from Absalom, and quitting his royal city, before he had had one struggle for it; and yet, by this psalm, it appears he was full of true courage arising from his faith in God. True Christian fortitude consists more in a gracious security and serenity of mind, in patiently bearing and patiently waiting, than in daring enterprises with sword in hand.[Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 747). Peabody: Hendrickson.]

David looks all around him and takes in the view of his enemies camp.

Notice what he does with what he sees....

He takes it to the one he completely depends on; GOD

Notice verse 1:

His enemy has grown like a snowball does when rolled over a snowy hill.

Those who had become his enemy were once serving by David’s side.

Notice verse 2:

“There is no help for him in god”

Now, on the surface, these are just words. However, word’s have meaning and weight and can very well find themselves settling into the heart.

Words are NEVER just words! Every word is like a seed sown in the heart.

They were saying, “David’s danger is too great for God.”

psalm 11.1 “1 In the Lord put I my trust: How say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?”

psalm 42:10 “10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; While they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?”

SELAH = mark that; stop there; consider a little.

2) Secured By A Divine Father (v3)

“though art a shield for me”

In other words, “You can say whatever you want, I know who my Father is! He will never leave me! I will never shift my trust away from Him”

Quote: “Not only my shield (Gen. 15:1), which denotes an interest in the divine protection, but a shield for me, which denotes the present benefit and advantage of that protection.” [Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 747). Peabody: Hendrickson.]

“Though are my glory”

David is speaking of the fact that God’s glory is his own honor.

David’s crown had been taken from him; lost his honor.

“Thou art the lifter up of my head”

Joy and deliverance.

Quote: “If, in the worst of times, God’s people can lift up their heads with joy, knowing that all shall work for good to them, they will own it is God that is the lifter up of their head, that gives them both cause to rejoice and hearts to rejoice.” [Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 747). Peabody: Hendrickson.]

3) The Power Of Reflection (vv4-8)

Illustration: Have you ever taken time to reflect on the past year to see what you have achieved and where you lacked growth and from that made greater strides the following year?

Again, a reflection of who God was in your past projects you forward to trust him even greater today and days to come.

When David looked around him, all he saw were things that irritated him.

When David looked UP, all he saw was someone who comforted him; GOD!

Why did David “cry unto the Lord?” — That is what he did in the past!

He always found God to be his all-sufficient savior!

Quote: “Care and grief do us good and no hurt when they set us a praying, and engage us, not only to speak to God, but to cry to him, as those that are in earnest.” [Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 747). Peabody: Hendrickson.]

“…he heard me out of his holy hill”

2 Sam. 15:25 “25 And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation:”

WOW! The things that make us tremble and become fearful can never remove us from being heard by God.

“I laid me down and slept”

He was able to get good quality sleep and woke up refreshed. HOW!!!

“… the Lord sustained me”

LISTEN: We should be thankful for such mercies he provides us every night.

This speaks to someone who truly GIVES IT OVER TO GOD!

Example: Peter in prison / Paul and Silas in prison / Daniel in the lion’s den / Jesus on the cross / Martyr’s in early church history (Polycarp)

Verse 6

“I will not be afraid”

HOLD ON! Surely, no man could possibly seem safe in this scenario?

Surrounded by thousands of his enemy!

Through prayer, when you put yourself under God’s protection, you will find the benefit of peace.

Not to say that your WORDS have power to actually take you out from under God’s protection, but they do however have the power of removing your mind and heart from embracing the reality of His ever present protection over your life.

Quote: “Note, A cheerful resignation to God is the way to obtain a cheerful satisfaction and confidence in God.” [Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 748). Peabody: Hendrickson.]

Verse 8 - “Salvation belongeth unto the Lord”

Let us not forget how David began this Psalm and not fail to notice how he ends it!

To all those who have rested their complete faith in the Lord, remember this, since your salvation is not yours, it is God’s prerogative to save and it is his pleasure!

You and I may be under some kind of burden of man, we can rest assured that we are surely blessed by God!

Conclusion

Quote: “In singing this, and praying it over, we must own the satisfaction we have had in depending upon God and committing ourselves to him, and encourage ourselves, and one another to continue still hoping and quietly waiting for the salvation of the Lord.” [Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 748). Peabody: Hendrickson.]