Preach the Truth to Yourself!

Psalm 3

1LORD, how they have increased who trouble me!
Many are they who rise up against me.
2 Many are they who say of me,
“There is no help for him in God.”  Selah

3 But You, O LORD, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
4 I cried to the LORD with my voice,
And He heard me from His holy hill.  Selah

5 I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me all around.

7 Arise, O LORD;
Save me, O my God!
For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone;
You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8 Salvation belongs to the LORD.
Your blessing is upon Your people.  Selah

What a great example we have here for us on how to respond in the midst of trial. Here we see David surrounded by trouble; by persecutions… “Many are they who rise against me. Many are they who say of me, ‘There is no help for him in God.'” (v.1-2) Are you surrounded by trials, temptation or persecution? Do you feel at times desperate? Look at David’s example. He could have cried and given up… But he didn’t! Full of faith he proclaims that God is his defender, his protector, the faithful One who hears his cry. “But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the LORD with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill.” (v. 3-4)

After proclaiming and preaching the truth to himself, we see David’s assurance. In the midst of trouble, among the many who rose against him, he lays down to sleep. His rest, his peace is in God almighty, his sustainer. He says in verse 6, “I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.” And being so confident of God’s protection, David claims victory. “Arise, O LORD; Save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongs to the LORD. Your blessing is upon Your people.” (v. 7-8 ) Salvation is indeed in His hands, He stands ready to fight and defend. His blessing is upon His people. What a great God we have!

I encourage you to have David’s attitude in the midst of trouble. Preach the Word of God to yourself! Take hold of His promises and rest! Claim Victory!

J. C. Hahne