It's Not As Bad As It Seems

III. GIVE YOUR CONFLICT TO THE LORD.

Psalm 3 is a prayer. But it not until verses 7-8 that David actually makes any requests of the Lord. He first brings his complaint to the Lord. He then places his confidence in the Lord. Now in the closing verses of this psalm he gives his conflict to the Lord who is ready, willing, and able to fight for us and give us the victory.

A. GOD WILL FIGHT FOR YOU.

In verse 7 David prays, “Arise, O Lord!” This is a war cry in which David calls on God to act on his behalf. This was also Moses’ war cry as he led the children of Israel through the wilderness. Numbers 10:35 says, “And whenever the ark set out, “Moses said, “Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you.” Israel perpetually trusted that the Lord would fight their battles. Psalm 68:1 says, “God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered; and those who hate him shall flee before him!”

Then David prays, “Save me, O my God!” In verse 2, the people are saying that there is no salvation for him in God. But David refused to believe the report of unbelieving people. He went to God himself and called him, “My God.” On the basis of his personal relationship with the Lord, he prayed that the Lord would save, help, rescue, deliver, and liberate him.

David’s bold request was based on two realities: “For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.” These are harsh words. But David does not take matters into his own hands. He asks God to keep his enemies from hurting him. Striking the cheek pictures insult more than pain. He is asking the Lord to put his enemies in their place. The breaking the teeth pictures the wicked as animals seeking to devour David. He is asking God to put take away what they would use to hurt him. This dramatic language makes the point that God will fight your battles. If you want proof of this, run to the cross and look at Jesus. Romans 8:31-34 says: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us?” The God who fought for you to get you to heaven will fight for you on your way to heaven!

B. GOD WILL GIVE YOU VICTORY.

Verse 8 says, “Salvation belongs to the Lord.” David’s enemies were saying that there was no salvation for him in God. But they did not have the last word. Salvation does not belong to man. It belongs to God. Jonah 2:8-9 says, “Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the Lord!” Only God saves. Then David prays, “your blessing be on your people!” This final benediction makes it clear that this personal testimony is about more than David. It is for all who trust in the Lord. There is no secret what God can do. What God did for David, God can do for you. God will give you the victory. The Lord is faithful to bless his people.