Psalms *Bible Lesson 7* *Meditation: Psalm 3 (2)*
*Just for your thoughts.*
Psalms
Bible Lesson 7*
Meditation: Psalm 3 (2)*
The first prayer recorded in the Book of Psalms appears in this Psalm.
Among the Psalms from Psalm 1 to Psalm 41, all except Psalms 1, 10, and 33 are generally considered to have been written by David.
Psalm 3 is the first Psalm that begins with David’s name in its superscription.
Psalm 3:1 — When David wrote this Psalm, he began by saying that his enemies had greatly increased and that there were many who were rising up against him.
We need to understand that the main reason for David being surrounded by so many enemies was his own sin.
Enemies may arise against us in two ways. First, the Lord may allow enemies to arise in order to test our faith. Second, because of our sins, the Lord may allow our enemies to increase.
The opposition that came against David was connected with his wrongdoing with Bathsheba. God did not have to bring an enemy from somewhere else to discipline David; He raised up opposition against him from within his own family.
David had a special affection for Absalom. That is why God used this beloved son to discipline him. When Absalom died, David lamented:
“And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom! my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!”
2 Samuel 18:33
The sin of adultery is an extremely serious sin in the life of a believer. Believers should never treat it lightly. No matter how great a servant of God a person may be, he cannot imagine that he can commit this sin and escape its consequences.
For some, the consequences of the sin of adultery may become so visible that everyone can see them. For others, the consequences may be experienced as deep personal pain and suffering that only they themselves know.
God forgave David’s sin. Yet the shame, suffering, thoughts, and losses that David experienced within his family were very deep. If we carefully read 2 Samuel chapters 12–14, this becomes very clear to us.
Nevertheless, David reconciled himself to the Lord at the very place where he had fallen and rose again.
A believer may experience a very great fall. The failure may be so deep that he may think, “My spiritual life is finished.” Yet God has abundant mercy and grace.
We cannot expect to see a soldier who has fought in battles without any scars. In the same way, even when deeply painful failures occur in our spiritual lives, God is able to lift us up and make us stand again.
It is with this confidence that David sings:
“I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.”
Psalm 3:6
No matter how powerful the accusations that Satan brings against us may be, God is faithful to remove their power and give us a new life.
Therefore, David concludes the Psalm with these words:
“Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people.”
Psalm 3:8
Lessons from this Psalm
1. Even David, who was described as a man after God’s own heart, fell into the great sin of adultery. Therefore, even though we may say, “I am standing firm,” we must remain watchful.
2. When we accept the discipline that God gives us because of our sin and repent, God is more than able to restore and renew us.
3. We should strive to live a life in which, as far as possible, we do not bring upon ourselves God’s discipline.