Psalm 3 was written by David during a difficult time of family conflict and shameful behavior on the part of his own son, Absalom, and many of his people. You can read this story in 2 Samuel 15-19. Absalom rebelled against his father, the king, and tried to take his throne. Through it all, even though his heart was broken for his wayward son, David trusted God to make things right and protect him. He had faith to accept this time of suffering with humility, totally dependent on the sovereignty and goodness of God.

What does this psalm teach us about our relationship with the Lord Jesus through the gospel? Here are a few observations.

Adversaries will increase when you come to the Lord in response to the gospel.

Psalm 3:1 – O Lord, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me.

We are foolish to believe that our old friends and lost family members will rejoice when God changes the direction of our lives through salvation. Jesus brings the peace of God to our hearts, and peace with God by the forgiveness of our sins, but conflict with all who are against Him. Our loyalty to Christ will be tested most deeply in our closest familial relationships.

Matthew 10:34-39 – Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.

Criticism and doubt about your salvation will abound.

Psalm 3:2 – Many are saying of my soul, “There is no deliverance for him in God.” Selah.

Have you ever heard it said of a new believer, “The changes won’t last.” Has it been said to you, as you begin to learn what it means to walk in the new life you received from Jesus? Our soul is our mind, emotions, and will, and these inner elements of our being will be transformed over time, through a process called sanctification. While some things can and will change dramatically immediately upon salvation, we grow in practical holiness. Expect criticism for your failures as you learn to follow Jesus.

So how does God protect us and help us when our adversaries try to discourage us with their criticism and doubt? Psalm 3 tells us!

Psalm 3:3-4 – But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the Lord with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah.

God Himself is our shield. David uses this analogy many times throughout the psalms, speaking of the protection of God’s presence. We also have received a shield of faith in the gospel, the faith granted to us by God (Ephesians 2:8) and we can pick up this shield in response to our enemies.

Ephesians 6:16 – In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

God lifts our head and answers our prayers, because we now have access into His throne room through Jesus (Ephesians 2:18, 3:12). Have you ever felt ashamed in God’s presence because of something you did? Picture a broken and repentant child before his loving Father. The Father gently reaches down and lifts our head, allowing us to look upon His glorious face that shines with mercy and grace. In Christ, indeed, His face shines on us as He lifts our heads.

Ezra 9:6 – And I said, “O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, for our iniquities have risen above our heads and our guilt has grown even to the heavens.

Numbers 7:24-26 – The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.

2 Corinthians 4:6 – For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

God gives us peace and sustaining rest in the midst of our enemies.

Psalm 3:5-6 – I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about.

Anxiety and worry should not be part of our vocabulary as followers of Jesus. Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:17-18). Will we have anxious feelings and worrisome thoughts? Yes—but these are some of the “flaming arrows” sent by our enemy, the evil one, Satan. God tells us to be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6). When we cast all our cares on Him we can enjoy sweet slumber that restores us (1 Peter 5:7). The writer of Proverbs describes the reward of those who have come to know and obey the wisdom of God in salvation.

Proverbs 3:23-26 – Then you will walk in your way securely and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden fear nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.

God has defeated our enemies and taken away the power to hurt us.

Psalm 3:7 – Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.

We really have only two enemies: death and Satan. Jesus defeated both on the cross. Death has lost its sting, for when our mortal bodies fail, we will enter immortality and live forever! Satan may buzz around us like an angry bee, but all power to harm us has been removed. There is no more sin to accuse us, for Jesus has taken our sin upon Himself, and we are free and justified in God’s sight. Now, we have the power to swat him away; all fear is gone and by the indwelling Holy Spirit, we can resist his temptations and live in victory.

1 Corinthians 15:26 – The last enemy that will be abolished is death.

Hebrews 2:14-15 – Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57 – But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 10:19 – Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.

1 Peter 5:8-9 – Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.

James 4:7 – Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

We live in victory because the Lord has saved us.

Psalm 3:8 – Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah.

When your loved ones turn against you…

When criticism comes…

When worry and anxiety keep you up at night…

When you are afraid…

When your enemy tries to scare you…

Remember, salvation belongs to the Lord. The gospel has wrought for you all the blessings God intended for His people. They are yours, but you must take God at His Word and believe.