Honest Thoughts from a Pastor

Have you ever felt like everyone is against you? Maybe you had a falling out with many in your family? Maybe you went through a divorce and your “friends” sided with your ex? Maybe you were wrongfully accused and no one believed you were innocent? You’re not alone!

King David found himself in a rough situation. He was running for his life, and the person who was trying to kill him was his son Absalom. I couldn’t imagine anything more discouraging than my son wanting me dead. This difficulty led David to pen these words we find in Psalm 3:

“Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭3:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

These verses sound pretty grim, but I’m glad David didn’t stop there. Amidst one of the worst times in his life, he was able to see God for who He is. When we are surrounded by enemies, we must remember the following things:

My Lord is my Shield (Psalm 3:3) – “But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me.” The fiery darts of the enemy and darts from those who seek to harm you will come, but your Lord protects you.

My Lord is my Strength (Psalm 3:3) – “my glory and the lifter up of mine head”. If you have been depressed and have come out of that depression, you know what it means for the Lord to lift your head when it hangs low in despair.

My Lord is my Supplication (Psalm 3:4) – “I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.” What a beautiful thing to know we can cry out to Him and He hears us!

My Lord is my Sustainer (Psalm 3:5) – “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.” At times when I didn’t think I would make it, the Lord carried me through. I have no doubt you can testify of the same.

My Lord is the Settler of my fears (Psalm 3:6) – “I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.” I am reminded that God is not the One who gives us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). He gives us courage when courage doesn’t make sense. He can speak peace when all around us is chaos.

My Lord is my Savior (Psalm 3:7, 8) – “Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.” God is the ultimate Rescuer! He rescues us from sin, self, and those who devise sinister plots against us. When we cry out to Him, He stands ready to rescue us and save us.

I’m reminded of the lyrics “It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded by You.” Our immediate vision may only allow us to see the enemies around us, but there is One bigger surrounding them. Our God causes enemies to flee. Trust yourself to the One who is mighty to save!