Does it ever seem the whole world has turned against you? I am not speaking of paranoia which is an irrational belief that everything is against you. I am speaking of those times in life when everyone seems angry with you; those times when there are more people treating you as an enemy than as a friend. As a comedian once said, it is not paranoia if the whole world is out to get you.
The third psalm is attributed to King David during the rebellion of his son Absalom. You can find the story in II Kings 15-18. The revolt was so successful that David was forced from Jerusalem. According to II Kings 15.13, the hearts of “all Israel” turned from David to Absalom. David was eventually able to defeat the revolt and regain his throne but only after the death of his son.
The setting of this psalm is in David’s darkest days of the revolt. David’s response is a lesson in dealing with opposition and the stress that comes from finding yourself under attack.
My first observation is that the psalm is addressed to God. It combines a description of the circumstances with praise. As an address to God, it is a prayer. Despite his horrific circumstances, David responded with praise. This is a valuable lesson for all of us—when overwhelmed by the greatest struggles in life, we should still praise God.
Praise reminds us that life is not chaotic and our circumstances not random. Instead, praise reinforces in us the knowledge that God is still on the throne and that all things do work together for good (Romans 8.28). Not all things are good. However, the God who controls history can take all the circumstances of our lives and bring them together like scattered pieces of a puzzle to create a beautiful picture. Praise brings us back to the understanding that though our lives might appear to be out of control to us, the truth is that God is still in control.
The logical response then is to do exactly what David did—in the words of the hymn “…take everything to God in prayer.” Who better to consult than the one in charge? David’s prayer is honest and expresses his emotions and his desire for the defeat of his enemies. God already knows what we are thinking and feeling so why try to hide it? When surrounded by enemies, turn to God in praise and prayer.
This is in contrast to the apparent situation. David sees a rising tide of opposition (vv. 1-2). His enemies claim that God has deserted David. In their minds, David stands vulnerable because God is no longer with him. Sadly, I have learned from personal experience that one of the things opponents will do is raise questions about your salvation, your relationship with God because they disagree with you, do not like you, or for their own political agenda. Assuming God is on their side, they assume God is your enemy.
David knew better. He comes to God in prayer—the God his enemies say is no longer with David. David is confident that God is still with him and will be his protector (v. 3). David knew well the truth expressed centuries later by Paul—nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8.31ff). Regardless of the circumstances and the taunting of his enemies, David was convinced of his personal relationship with God because he trusted the covenant faithfulness of God. While David was losing his possessions and his glory as king, he believed that God was his true glory (v. 4). While the object of scorn by humans, David believed that God would “lift up his head” (v.4).
While many would look at the situation from a human viewpoint and despair, David looked at it from a divine viewpoint and found comfort. He is so much at peace, he is able to sleep comfortably and rest. How many of us could have gotten any sleep under those circumstances? David was able to because he was counting on God to sustain him (v. 5). Just as Jesus could sleep soundly in the boat during a storm that had seasoned sailors like Peter terrified, David could sleep soundly in the middle of the greatest storm of his life.
David puts aside fear despite the huge numbers aligned against him (v. 6). How is this possible? Had David looked at the situation solely from the standpoint of what he could do about it, fear would be the logical result. There was no way for him to win using only human resources.
The answer comes in vv. 7-8. David is going to turn it over to God to fight for him. He calls upon God, not his army, to rise up and defeat his enemies. Thousands of humans are no match for the power of the one God.
In David’s response to his grave situation, we learn something to help us respond to the struggles of life. David did not rely on his abilities, skills, tactics, or resources. David confidently turned it all over to God and God’s abilities, skills, tactics, and resources. This is the essence of living by faith.
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