(Psalm 3:2) “Many there be which say of my soul, (There is) no help for him in God. Selah.”

The subtitle in the KJV states the human author of this Psalm is King David, and it was written when King David had to flee the kingdom because of his son Absalom’s attempt to take the throne from David. (See 2 Sam. 15:12-14.) It was a very dark day for King David; and as he fled for his life, David penned this Psalm.

(Psalm 3:1) reveals that many of the kingdom had sided with Absalom to overthrow the kingship of David, and remove him from the throne of rulership over the Nation of Israel. In fact (2 Samuel 15:12) states, “… the conspiracy was strong for the people increased continually with Absalom.”

The accusation of the “many” said that David’s time was over; and not even God would help him in his time of trouble, “… (There is) no help for him in God. Selah.” Of course, there are multitudes of lessons to be learned of this episode in King David’s life. However, the primary thought for this morning devotion is: It is not what others say, or even think, of a child of God when he is in the midst of trouble. But it is who God is, and what His promises say for the troubled child of God.

It is for sure that King David’s situation was very dire and crushing to his self-esteem; and even his life was in grave danger from his enemies as they saw King David’s predicament (or as the flesh sees the danger). But, men of faith, men that love God above everyone and everything in this life, know that trouble and trials of every sort and kind come at times even in a child of God’s life. However, the man of faith knows that the Presence of God, and the Promises of God to His children, are always true and sure to the Seed of God. There are several things that those of you reading this devotion who are under siege of trials and troubles should take note of and rely upon. Using David as our example, take note of David’s statement of faith in THE LORD:

1). (Ps. 3:3a) “But thou O LORD, art a Shield for me”; figuratively a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile” (Strong’s Concordance). David said in (2 Sa 22:3), “The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.” (See also Ps. 28:7; 33:20; 89:9, 11; 115:9-11; 119:114; 144:2; and Prov. 30:5.) The Apostle Paul in the New Testament says of the child of God’s armor, (Eph. 6:16) “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”  Paul was speaking of Christ Jesus, Who is The Faith (Gal. 2:20). No child of God in his own strength is any match for the “…fiery darts of the wicked.” The only victory that the child of God can experience against the wicked forces is Christ Himself (1 Jn. 5:4). Christ defeated the devil on the cross; and proved that His Victory over the devil and death was in His Resurrection (Heb. 2:14) (Rom. 1:4). According to (Rom. 6:1-23; esp. (verses 4-5), the regenerated child of God was co-crucified with Christ; co-buried with Christ; and was co-raised with Christ to walk in the newness of life. Therefore, being “In Christ” and Christ in him; Christ is his Shield, or Protector (Ps. 121:1-6).

2). Secondly, David said to his accusers (Ps. 3:3b) “But thou O LORD… my glory…” Or King David was saying, ‘O LORD, Thou art my glory (honor). You are my everything. You are my Positioner. And it is in You, and because of You, that I am what I am, both physically (the king of Israel) and spiritually (a child of God). Without You God I am nothing; for You are my glory, my honor; my everything.

3). Thirdly, David said that The LORD was (Ps. 3:3c) “... the lifter up of mine head.”  It is You, “O LORD,” You are my Strength. You not only took me from being a shepherd boy and made me king of all Israel; but You are my Protector. It is You, O LORD, that has preserved me from all my enemies up to this time; from the lion and the bear and even Goliath. You have always delivered me from all enemies.

4). Fourthly, David acknowledged by praying to Him that God was his God; that God was his Help in time of trouble. David, knew “vain is the help of man.”

(Psalm 121:1-2) “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help (2)  My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.”

King David knew that his “help” did not come from the hills, or the help of man; but only from the LORD. Therefore, with complete assurance in God, David requested of God in his prayer: (Psalm 3:4) “I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah”; (Psalm 3:7) “Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.”

When a child of God, during the midst of trials and troubles, knows in Whom he has believed (that is, in Jesus Christ), and knows that the Promises of God are for him; then he knows he can call upon God in prayer in time of need (Heb. 4:16), and he has full assurance that God will hear his cry and will come and deliver him in his troubles. The child of God cannot listen to his flesh, or to others that do not trust in God, in times of need. He must rely upon the Word of God, and Call upon God to honor His Word. David did; and notice what God did for him:

1). (Psalm 3:5) “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.” David fell asleep knowing that God would sustain him; and He did sustain David. This is the sweet peace of knowing God is your God, and that you are His child.

2). (Psalm 3:6) “I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.” David had not been given a spirit of fear, (2Ti 1:7) “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” When Jehovah is your God, as He was David’s, then there is no fear of what man can do to you.

3). (Psalm 3:7-8)

(7) “Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. David had seen and experienced the Deliverance of God in time past from all his enemies; therefore, David declared;

(8)  Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.”

Salvation, or deliverance, both spiritual and physical, belong to the LORD. Don’t be afraid, child of grace, in times of trials and trouble; for God, the Creator, Controller and Consummator of all things is your God, your Protector, and your Provider. You cannot fail in Christ; for He is already within the veil, making intercession for you. Rejoice and be glad; sing praises unto His Name; for you are special to Him, now and forevermore. Amen and Amen!