The Book of Psalms, while considered one of the “Books of Wisdom” in the Bible, is filled with some of the most heartfelt, gut-wrenching prayers that are recorded in Scripture.
Of the 150 Psalms found in the Bible, David wrote 73 of them. The others were written by a collection of other authors.
David was a man who faced a lot of adversity in his life. From the time that he was born, there was something special about him in the eyes of God.
God knew that David would one day be the King of Israel, but to everyone else, David was just the youngest, the smallest, and the most easily forgettable member of the family. That’s not hard to believe since the Bible describes David’s older brothers as muscular, attractive young men.
When Samuel came to anoint the new King of Israel in 1 Samuel 16, David’s own father didn’t even think enough of him to bring him into the house. Instead, David was left in the field watching his sheep.
After his anointing, David continued to face various attacks. After he was anointed, we see David conquer Goliath. While this was a time of victory, it caused Saul to become paranoid.
For the next several years, Saul made multiple attempts to kill David in the name of protecting his own status. History teaches us that David had to wait 22 years after his anointing to become the King of Israel.
He spent most of those 22 years living as a fugitive. While he had a handful of faithful friends, he continued to deal with Saul’s attempts on his life. Moreover, David was still considered an enemy of the Philistines because of the events of 1 Samuel 17.
It would seem that when David finally became king, his troubles were over. Saul was dead, and there was nothing standing between David and his God-given purpose. Unfortunately, none of that was true.
David’s next enemy wasn’t someone whom he was in line to replace. Instead, David’s next enemy was someone in his own family.
Absalom, who was David’s third son with his wife, Maacah, decided that he would be a better king than his father. That prompted Absalom to put together his own army.
When his attempts at manipulating his way to the throne didn’t work, Absalom was so overtaken with jealousy that he tried to kill his own father. Once again, David’s life was in danger.
Biblical historians point to the saga between David and Absalom as the inspiration for the third Psalm.
Have you ever felt like you’re completely surrounded? Maybe you’re dealing with physical enemies in the workplace who are jealous of your progression and are hatching plots to bring you down.
Maybe you’re dealing with so much turmoil in your family that you don’t feel like your home is a safe haven for you anymore. Perhaps your enemies aren’t physical, but you are engaged in spiritual warfare on a level that you’ve never experienced before.
If so, Psalm 3 is a powerful prayer that you can pray over yourself.
David had dealt with a lot in his life, but nothing prepared him for the pain that he felt when his own son wanted him dead. If you’re facing battles that are bigger than anything you’ve dealt with before, make Psalm 3 your prayer today.
Pray These Verses
Psalm 3
Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake up again because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.
Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.
Pray This Prayer
Heavenly Father, I feel like I’m surrounded on every side. Every time that I feel like I’m nearing a breakthrough, there’s another enemy and more adversity for me to deal with. I’m tired and frustrated.
But God, You are my shield and I will glory in You. You are the One who lifts my head and causes me to look up. When I call out to You, You answer me. Every day that I wake up is a gift from You, even if I’m engaged in another battle. God, help me to stop being afraid. Help me to overcome the anxiety.
Father, deliver me. Put an end to this battle so I can rest. Father, I know that You are the Source of my deliverance and Your blessings are on Your people. I need You, God, today and every day. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Thank God
Father, thank You for Your deliverance. Thank You for promising me victory in every battle that I’m engaged in. I know that the battle does not belong to me, but it’s Yours.
God, thank You for being the Source of my deliverance, for blessing me, and for protecting me. Thank You for allowing me to experience the same power that You provided David with. In Christ’s name, Amen.