Praising Scripture - Dec 19

Introduction...

12/19 Psalm 3:1-8 Praise God Before The Enemy
（Memorization Scripture: vv. 3-4）

1 Lord, 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


[Sharing] This psalm is a personal lament and an excellent example where the psalmist is able to pray aloud although powerful enemies surround him. From 2 Samuel Chapters 15-19, it is recorded when David fled from Absalom, his renegade son, not only did he endure the shame and misery of betrayal from his own son, he went barefoot and left Jerusalem crying, but also he encountered the attack and the ridicule of many enemies who took the opportunity to attack him from all sides saying, “There is no help for him in God”. However, he bravely declared in faith, “But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.” He firmly believed that God had answered his prayer on the holy hill so that he would not fear the attacks around him and the Lord would always bless him whether he was sleeping or awake. When he called God again to save him, he reminded God and also himself that God had defeated the evil enemies and salvation only belonged to the Lord.

Note that this Psalm uses "Selah” three times (verses 2, 4, and 8) to show that the surging emotions and feelings in this psalm are beyond the simple words. Any singer of this song should understand it.

Have you faced an enemy's attack in your life currently? Is there any experience where you cannot “lift up the head"? Are you afraid? We have so many fellow travelers of different ages, so do not be discouraged, do not retreat! God is a shield for you, your glory, and the one who lifts up your head. He will bless you, lead you out of the woods, and win the battle because "salvation belongs to the Lord!”