Faces to the Light
Opening Prayer
God, You are the one we turn to in every difficulty because we know You care deeply and You rescue us.
Read PSALM 3:1-8
[1] A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom. LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! [2] Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” [3] But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. [4] I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. [5] I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. [6] I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. [7] Arise, LORD! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. [8] From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What enemies are you facing?This psalm is David’s response to the circumstances of 2 Samuel 13-18. In these chapters, David is feeling pressure from every side. In the psalm, David speaks of his enemies, but among them, he must have been aware of the enemy within himself. The consequences of his own sin, as prophecied by Nathan, were playing out in these chapters (2 Sam. 12:10-12). The choices of his sons were hard hitting within David’s family, as well as on the nation. And David had enemies taunting him as he was suffering.In Psalm 3, David states that he has multiple enemies and that doubt is cast on God’s power (1,2). He responds with confidence in God’s ability to protect and defend, which enables him to stand tall, to rest calmly (5), and to be unafraid (6). Lastly, David trusts in God for victory and rescue; none of his reliance is on himself (7,8). David’s ability to place complete trust in God is amazing. He knew that God was his only hope, but that hope was firm. In dark days, he kept his face set toward the only light that does not become extinguished.
Apply
Pray that people who are struggling with their circumstances will keep turning to the faithfulness and compassion of God.
Closing prayer
Unfailing God, You rescue me from all my enemies and deliver me from all my sin.
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