Read
(Written by David when he was running from his son Absalom.)
An Early Morning Prayer
1 I have a lot of enemies, Lord.
Many fight against 2me and say,
“God won't rescue you!”
3But you are my shield,
and you give me victory
and great honor.
4I pray to you, and you answer
from your sacred hill.
5I sleep and wake up refreshed
because you, Lord,
protect me.
6Ten thousand enemies attack
from every side,
but I am not afraid.
7Come and save me, Lord God!
Break my enemies' jaws
and shatter their teeth,
8because you protect
and bless your people.
Reflect
We enter into a song in a deeper way when we know the story behind the song. King David wrote this song when he fled from his son Absalom (see 2 Samuel chapters15-18). One author calls this a “morning song of one in distress, but confident in God.” We might call this song our calm in the storm. Are you in stormy season? If so, learn to experience God’s peace through this psalm.
It was a painful chapter in David’s life involving his son’s rebellion, a political coup, and ultimately the death of Absalom. In contrast to the many enemies who opposed him, David relied on the One who stood by his side as his shield and protector. On the run for his life, barefoot, weeping and head covered in humility and grief, David expressed his full confidence in the King who would answer him and give him the victory.
Our enemies taunt us. They tell us that God has forsaken us and we are beyond help. However, the only remedy for our fears is to cast our concerns on him who cares for us.
Kristian Stanfill’s song Always takes its lyrics from Psalm 3, “My foes are many, they rise against me, but I will hold my ground. I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm, My help is on the way, my help is on the way.” Don’t be afraid. Leave your cares in God’s hands. Rest in his peace and wake up confident in God’s protection.
Respond
Lord God our defender, fight for us against the world, the flesh and the devil. You sustain the godly day and night as we trust in you. Lord Jesus, our shield and defender, save us, bless and protect your people. In your name we pray, Amen.
Jody Cross
Dr. Jody Cross is a worship pastor, recording artist, author and worship ministry consultant. His passion is to glorify God by developing leaders, equip worship teams and lead God’s people in worship. Jody has released a book on worship and justice, This Is Our Love and has produced two award winning worship albums. Jody serves as Worship Pastor at First Baptist Church in Orillia, Ontario. Jody is married to Alexandra. They have four teenage children. Publications: This Is Our Love: Engaging a Broken World Through Worship CD’s: Forward To Forever Rekindle Rejoice: Christmas Worship