Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.”
But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
I call out to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.
I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side.
Arise, Lord!
Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.
From the Lord comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people.
~ Psalm 3
Key Verse: “But You are a shield around me, O Lord; You bestow glory on me and lift up my head” Psalm 3:3
What else could go wrong for David? He had escaped the attacks of King Saul by God’s grace several times. God protected David when it appeared his life would end. Have you had any close calls with death? David probably figured that once he became king, no one would ever try to eliminate him. Then his own son, Absalom, decided he would attempt to kill his father. Can you imagine being on the run with your child pursuing you with murderous intentions?
Where do you turn when even your own family turns against you? David’s only remaining option for protection was also his best option. God is our refuge and a help in times of trouble. What trouble are you in now? Have you learned how to rely on God as your refuge?
Take time to seek God in your most dangerous situations. 1) Tell God exactly what is happening to you and the threats you are sensing to your well-being and your soul. 2) Ask God how you should respond to the danger. 3) Do not despair, but let God encourage you deeply and lift up your head once again!
Jesse Bradley is passionate about helping people discover the grace of Jesus- both in practical and eternal ways. He serves as Senior Pastor of Sebastopol Christian Churchin Northern California, with degrees from Dartmouth College and Dallas Theological Seminary. Once a professional goalkeeper in Scotland and Zimbabwe, God redirected him into ministry through a life-threatening illness. He is the author of Rooted In Grace and A New Season. Jesse and his wife, Laurie, have three children.
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