The article “Psalm 3” by Henry Law presents a profound exposition of the themes of deliverance, faith in times of trial, and the sovereign protection of God. Central to the discussion is the contrast between the overwhelming foes faced by the psalmist, presumably David, and the peace found through prayer and reliance on God. The author emphasizes how prayer acts as a refuge for believers amidst their struggles, using Scripture references such as Psalm 3:3 (“But You, O Lord, are a shield for me”) and 1 Peter 5:7 (“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you”) to illustrate the steadfastness of God as a protector and lifter of one’s head. The theological significance of the article lies in its reaffirmation of divine sovereignty and grace, culminating in the assurance that salvation is the Lord's and His blessings rest upon His people.
Key Quotes
“In darkest days faith shines with brightest glow.”
“The blood-bought way is ever open; the interceding Spirit prompts the appeal.”
“Faith is a fearless grace.”
“Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessing is upon Your people.”
What does the Bible say about trusting God in trials?
The Bible teaches that trusting God provides strength and reassurance during difficult times.
Moreover, Christians are reminded that confidence in God's provision and protection allows them to face their fears without trepidation. This is encapsulated in the message that 'Salvation belongs to the Lord' (Psalm 3:8), underscoring that deliverance is found in God's sovereign hand. Therefore, cultivating a deep trust in God not only soothes the soul but also empowers believers to rise above their circumstances, regardless of how dire they may appear.
Why is faith important for Christians during struggles?
Faith is crucial for Christians as it assures them of God's presence and provides strength in struggles.
Moreover, faith directs believers to God, leading them to cry out in prayer with confidence, as seen in David's appeal for divine intervention (Psalm 3:7). This prayerful response reflects an understanding that faith is not passive but actively engages with God. In trusting Him, believers can rest assured that God's past faithfulness confirms His ongoing commitment to their care. Thus, faith not only sustains them in struggles but also deepens their relationship with God, compelling them to seek His help more earnestly.
How do we know God's sovereignty is true?
God's sovereignty is affirmed through His control over all events and His ultimate plan for salvation.
Additionally, God's redemptive plan throughout history—culminating in Christ's atoning work—illustrates His sovereign purpose. As believers understand that God's kingdom will ultimately triumph over evil, they can find peace in troubling times. By studying the Scriptures, believers come to recognize that God's sovereignty is not just a doctrine but a source of comfort and assurance that His plans will never be thwarted.
Foes without number press upon the speaker. Prayer is his refuge. Calmly he sleeps. His fears are gone. Speak, Lord, that thus our hearts may ever rest.
1. "O Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!"
The first scene shows the monarch flying from his heartless son. Absalom advances with rebellious hosts. The outcast father looks upon the swelling billows of foul treason. Increasing numbers hunt his life. He sees, and he appeals to God.
Here, also, our Jesus may be heard. The powers of darkness are combined. Hell and its legions terribly assail. Wicked men do their worst wickedly. On all sides troubles multiply. Many voices cry "Crucify." The servant follows in the suffering path. The true believer often will but moan.
2. "Many there are who say of my soul, There is no help for him in God."
Affliction has the aspect of desertion. Many reason that God's favor surely would disperse these clouds—His voice could quickly scatter all the ills. David thus persecuted seems to be cast off. Here is the scoff of Calvary. "He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him. The thieves also, who were crucified with Him, cast the same in His teeth."
3. "But You, O Lord, are a shield for me; my glory and the lifter up of my head."
In darkest days faith shines with brightest glow. In the wild storm it looks to God and sings. No weapon can succeed against it. God, even God Himself, surrounds His children as a shield. The shaft which touches them must pierce through God! Welcome, also, reproach and ridicule and scorn. No disgrace can soil their name. They are renowned among the sons of men. Their glory is their God. No billows can submerge them. God, even their own God, lifts up their heads. From deepest waters Jesus rose to God's right hand. Where the Head is, there too shall the members be.
4. "I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy hill."
The voice of the insulting foe may loudly cry; but faith outcries. It has direct admission to the courts above. The blood-bought way is ever open. The interceding Spirit prompts the appeal. The mediating Son presents it. The Father on His throne receives it. Heaven opens, streams of answering blessings flow down. No case is desperate to him whose call can bring almightiness to his aid. Here is our Jesus. In the days of His flesh, He offered up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears, unto Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard in that He feared.
5. "I laid down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me."
The battlefield and the besieged fort present no downy couch. The alarms of war invite not to repose. But GOD is a pillow to the head of faith! David lies down, His sleep is sweet. He arises with renewed strength. But deeper truth sounds in these words. Jesus calmly falls asleep. The new-made grave receives Him to its bed. On the third day He casts off sleep. He appears and testifies, God did not leave My soul in hell, nor suffer His Holy One to see corruption. So, also, believers fall asleep in Him. Short is the night of death. Soon shall they awake and shout, "O grave! where is your victory? O death! where is your sting?"
6. "I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround
me on every side."
Faith is a fearless grace. It has quick ears to hear the voice of Heaven. It quickly catches the often repeated word, "Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God." Let man come on, boastful of numbers, and vain-glorious in the arm of flesh; faith meets the hosts, strong in the Lord, making mention only of His name. The victory is sure. Jesus never lost a battle. No follower of His will ever fall.
7. "Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God; for You have smitten all my enemies upon the jaw; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly."
Grace marvelously works. It begets fearless confidence. And confidence begets increasing prayer. Trust knows no fear, and shuns presumptuous indolence. It grows more importunate in prayer. It gives no rest to God. It knows its safety; and therefore it cries, "Save me, O my God." Past experience supplies both arguments and hope. You have brought shame and confusion on all vaunting foes; therefore, now arise and save.
8. "Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessing is upon Your people."
Triumphant is the final chorus. It tells of God rich in salvation. Salvation is His property. He willed it. He provided it. He holds it. He gives it according to His sovereign purpose. It is deliverance from every peril. It is exaltation to the heights of heaven. His blessing ever rests upon His people. It gives them all things and never fails. Lord, save us, and we shall be saved. Bless us, and we shall be blessed! Amen.
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