A Prayer of Desperation and Declaration of Trust
The need for significance
Our sense of identity is important. Every person needs a sense of significance—a sense of value and purpose. It is built into us, not at birth, but at conception.
Humanity was created in the image of God but we are often at odds with Him. Some of us are in various states of rebellion towards Him, while others are lost in the maelstrom of our culture.
How does one gain or pursue significance?
Success? Psychology? Religion? Soul searching? Social media? Branding?
Today's culture—as world culture always has—places great importance on external concerns. A sense of identity and value is often invested in what a person owns, their status among others, who they know, or what they're known for.
But these are fleeting and fickle values.
When we are stripped of our possessions or positions in life, we’ll be faced with a hard question—
Who are we and what is our significance?
If we lose what we’ve come to depend on for significance, what is our true identity? What is our sense of significance based on?
Israel's King David knows a thing or two about significance. He also knew what it was like to lose everything and be on the run for his life.
Let's see how he addressed all of this in his prayer found in Psalms 3.
Scripture
[A psalm by David when he fled from his son Absalom.]
O Lord, look how my enemies have increased! Many are attacking me. Many are saying about me, “Even with God ⌊on his side⌋, he won’t be victorious.” Selah [vss 1-2]
But you, O Lord, are a shield that surrounds me. You are my glory. You hold my head high.
I call aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. Selah [vss 3-4]
I lie down and sleep. I wake up again because the Lord continues to support me.
I am not afraid of the tens of thousands who have taken positions against me on all sides.
Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God!
You have slapped all my enemies in the face. You have smashed the teeth of wicked people.
Victory belongs to the Lord! May your blessing rest on your people. Selah [vss 5-8]
(Psalm 3:1-6 GW) [Context– Psalm 3]
Reflections and Insights
Did you notice the word selah repeated three times? I’ve made it easy to notice by putting it in bold.
It's not an easy word to explain or translate. It’s believed to be a musical or literary marker to remind the reader (or listener) to pause and consider what's just been said (or sung).
Each selah is intended to encourage reflection on what precedes it and as a reference point for what follows. Each selah also helps us see the progression of thought and emotion expressed by King David as he pours his heart out before God.
The subheading tells us it was written while David was on the run as he fled from his son Absalom. The story of David’s flight from Jerusalem with a small contingent of faithful followers during Absalom’s rebellious coup begins in 2 Samuel 15 and continues through Chapter 18. It’s a long and convoluted story.
King David realized his situation was dire but kept things in perspective by reaffirming his trust and sense of identity in his relationship with God.
But you, O Lord, are a shield that surrounds me. You are my glory. You hold my head high. (vs 3)
David goes on to express his confidence and assurance in the midst of his difficult circumstances. He ends his prayer with a confident, even victorious declaration.
Psalms 3 is a simple but excellent example of how each of us can deal with difficult, even dire circumstances in our lives.
First, we honestly and openly confess our concerns and need to God. Then we need to reaffirm our sense of identity and significance based on our relationship with the Lord.
Finally, we entrust the outcome to the Lord with confidence that He hears our prayer and will answer us according to our need.
The next time things get tough in your life and you’re not sure what to do, give this simple type of prayer a go. Then expect God to answer it as He did for David.
Digging deeper to Make it personal...
Review the Scriptures above as you consider the following questions
How is King David's situation described at the opening of this psalm?
How does he answer those who oppose him?
Where does King David find his identity and significance?
Where does he place his confidence and how does it benefit him?
Why does he have this confidence in God?
Where do you find your sense of significance—your value and purpose in life?
Do you have a similar trust and confidence in God as King David did?
How have you seen God answer your prayers when you call out to Him?
What are present situations or difficulties you need to entrust to God?
Would you like a free study guide for your study of Psalms?
Click the link for a free Psalms Study Guide
