Introduction

Good morning, dear friends. It is a joy and a privilege to gather here today, bound in our shared faith, to contemplate the living Word of God. As we gather in this sacred space, let our hearts open wide to receive the divine wisdom and comfort that the Scriptures provide.

Today, we turn our attention to Psalm 3, a Psalm of David. This Psalm, resounding with faith and courage, is a testament to the protection, perseverance, and power that God promises to those who love Him. It is a reminder that no matter the trials we face, no matter the enemies that rise against us, we are never alone, never forsaken. For we have a God who is our shield, our glory, and the one who lifts our head high. Let's read the Psalm together.

"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 again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on all sides. 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."

Protection Promised by God

The Psalmist begins by acknowledging the multitude of his foes, those who rise against him and doubt his deliverance. Yet, in the midst of this turmoil, he declares with unwavering confidence, "But you, Lord, are a shield around me." This is not a mere statement, but a profound declaration of faith. It is a faith that recognizes God's protective power, a faith that stands firm even when surrounded by adversity. The image of God as a shield is powerful.

In ancient times, a shield was a warrior's primary defense against the onslaught of the enemy. It was what stood between him and the deadly blows of his adversaries. When the Psalmist describes God as a shield, he is expressing his trust in God's ability to protect him from harm. He is acknowledging that God is his ultimate defense, his sure protection against all that seeks to destroy him.

This idea of God as a protector is throughout the Scriptures. In Deuteronomy 31:6, we are encouraged to "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." This verse reassures us that God is not a distant, detached deity, but a personal, present protector who walks with us through every trial.

Another aspect of God's protection that the Psalmist highlights is the personal nature of it. He does not say that God is a shield around us, but around me. This is a deeply personal declaration. It speaks of a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people, a God who cares for each one individually. This personal protection is not dependent on our worthiness or our efforts, but on God's unchanging love and faithfulness.

The Psalmist goes on to say, "I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain." This is a testament to the responsiveness of God. He is not a silent God, but a God who hears and answers our cries for help. When we call out to Him in our distress, He responds. He does not ignore our pleas or turn a deaf ear to our cries.

This responsiveness is not just a general characteristic of God, but a specific promise He makes to His people. In Jeremiah 33:3, God says, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." This is a promise of divine revelation, of divine guidance, and of divine protection. When we call out to God, He promises to answer us, to guide us, and to protect us.

The Psalmist also speaks of the sustaining power of God. He says, "I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me." This is a beautiful picture of God's constant, ongoing protection. Even in sleep, when we are most vulnerable, God is there, watching over us, sustaining us, protecting us. His protection is not limited to the times when we are aware of it, but continues even when we are unaware.

This sustaining power of God is a recurring theme in the Scriptures. In Isaiah 46:4, God says, "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." This is a promise of lifelong protection, of lifelong sustenance. It is a promise that God will carry us through every season of life, through every trial and tribulation, through every joy and sorrow.

Finally, the Psalmist declares, "I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on all sides." This is a bold statement of courage and confidence. It is a statement that is rooted not in the Psalmist's own strength, but in his trust in God's protection. He knows that no matter the number of his enemies, no matter the magnitude of their assault, he has nothing to fear. For he is under the protection of the Almighty God, the God who is greater than any enemy, the God who is more powerful than any foe.

Perseverance in the Face of Enemies

In the midst of the turmoil that David faced, he found a strength that was not his own ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO