Safe Space
Opening Prayer
Lord God, quiet my spirit and focus my mind so that I can hear You speak clearly through Your Word now.
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 Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What do we learn about the nature of God here?In this psalm we find David expressing his fear, hurt and anger. Pursued by his own son, David is speaking very literally about his fear of violence and his need for protection. Most of us live relatively safe lives, for which we should be grateful, but it does make psalms like this one difficult to connect with. Nevertheless, David’s words point us ultimately to God. In David’s crisis, we learn about the loving care of God. Even amid threat, David describes a sense of peace and protection, a safe space in the eye of the storm. He is shielded (3), and receives glory, an assurance of God’s love for him. David finds rest and strength, acutely aware that every day is a gift as God sustains his life (5). But David doesn’t just get comfortable in his safe space and decide to wait out the crisis. He believes in God his deliverer (7). He still cries out to God to make things right. Whether you are in a time of peace or opposition, take comfort from God’s sustaining presence.
Apply
What will you cry out to God today to make right? What part will you play in answering that prayer?
Closing prayer
Thank God that he can and does make things right. Tell him you trust him to do that with whatever is troubling you.
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