City Life Starter

The Word: Psalm 3:1-4 (Amplified Bible)

O Lord, how my enemies have increased!

Many are rising up against me.

Many are saying of me,

“There is no help [no salvation] for him in God.”

Selah.

But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,

My glory [and my honor], and the One who lifts my head.

With my voice I was crying to the Lord,

And He answered me from His holy mountain.

Selah.

Reflection Questions

1. What is your biggest fear and why?

2. What are some ways you can practically face your fears?

3. How does God fit into the equation of what you’re most scared of right now? Have you taken those fears to Him?

Psalm 3 is such a raw and authentic account of David as he, as he grapples with the onslaught of his son Absalom’s, attempted an overthrow of his kingdom. Can you imagine trying to fight your own child for your rightful place as king?

The word that comes to mind as I ponder on this situation is “torn.” In the Bible, David is known as someone who is courageous and bold in battle. He’s a mighty man who was not afraid to duke it out with a giant. Yet, in the context of Psalm 3, he’s fleeing from his son. This is the one enemy he would not actually want to destroy, so his only option is to run.

As Pastor Chris pointed out on Sunday, David’s identity as a king takes a major hit in the midst of Absalom’s rebellion. Upon reading and meditating on the verses in Psalm 3 and reading the background of the story in 2 Samuel, the main sense that I get from these scriptures is that David lost all his confidence in himself and his purpose in this season.

At one point during his flight from Absalom, a man named Shimei (a descendant of Saul) throws stones and curses at David repeatedly. Instead of fighting and dispelling this hooligan, David passively accepts the derogatory treatment. It leads one to wonder if David must have felt that he somehow deserved to be in this terrible situation.

However, Psalm 3 takes a dramatic turn in verse 3. There is a very huge “but” that changes David’s whole outlook:

But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,

My glory [and my honor], and the One who lifts my head.

Although David acknowledges his pain and suffering in verses 1 and 2, verse 3 marks a change in his perspective when he focuses all his attention on who God is. This pattern of assessing what’s happening and then looking to God is laced throughout the Book of Psalms in David’s prayer life.

This actually gives us a very healthy and holy example of how to deal with our emotions when difficulties arise in life. In times of crisis, some people tend to bottle up their emotions and suppress them deep within. Then there are those who put everything on the table for all to see. I suppose both methods have their pros and cons, but David did something unique–he poured out his heart to God.

Dealing with our emotions in the context of prayer can be very healing. Rather than stuffing your emotions down or baring your soul to a finite human being, telling God about the situation just might be the perfect balance to hone your emotions and respond in obedience.

What’s more, you can go one step further and rehearse the “buts” in your life. Here are some examples to illustrate:

“My co-workers are spreading rumors about me, BUT my God is my shield.”

“I have so much work to do, I can’t seem to get ahead, BUT I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

“My spouse is being so inconsiderate, BUT God is love and I will walk in love.”

Making a point to remember God’s character in trying times can actually transform your difficulties into opportunities to give glory to God. Instead of being depressed and defeated, you can be daring and devoted to God in any circumstance.

As Heather Mattingly pointed out a couple days ago on Starter, God is not afraid of your emotions, and He wants you to bring them to Him in every circumstance. Whether you are afraid, angry, anxious, or ambivalent, take those emotions to God and allow Him to walk you through it. And don’t forget who He is in the process. It’s only in knowing Him that we can truly find ourselves.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I want to thank You for being so patient with me. Forgive me for grumbling and complaining about _____________. It just makes me feel ______________. I surrender that matter to You and wholly trust You to work it out. Show me what I need to do. In Jesus Name, Amen.