Psalm 3—The Feelings and Facts of Salvation

“O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, ‘There is no salvation for him in God.’” Psalm 3:1-2

I was reading a book on leadership years ago and learned a very helpful concept. The idea of “brutal facts” was introduced as a tool for bringing change. The thinking goes, it’s best to recognize the brutal truth of the situation in order to embrace the reality you face. Only then can change be initiated.

David begins by facing the reality that he has many foes. His detractors are rising up as enemies. And we have an enemy, and he accuses us in the same way David is accused. These are facts. David is told that salvation does not exist. Likewise, Satan lies to humanity. John 10:10 states, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” If any foe tells you there is no salvation for you in God, he is a liar. He is a thief stealing, killing, and destroying.

“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill.” Psalm 3:3-4

John 10:10 continues: “…I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” The Lord is a shield. He lifts up our heads. We even experience glory, but we glory in him. Lament leads us to cry out to God. Aloud! We have real feelings in the face of these brutal facts. But he answers from his holy hill. Isaiah 65:24 is clear: “Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear.” I love that he answers while we are speaking to him. Confidence.

“I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.” Psalm 3:5-6

Such confidence breeds peacefulness. David can lay down and sleep in peace. Feelings are assuaged. He is sustained by his God. He realizes that the masses may be surrounding him, but he is not afraid. His is a sovereign God. Psalm 56:3 delivers confidence when David reiterates, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Firm foundation. Confidence. Brutal facts assaulted.

“Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people!” Psalm 3:7-8

Psalm 3 is a clarion call to turn to God in the face of brutal facts and call upon him. We cry out for him to save us. We call on him to arise. We plead to be protected as he takes on our enemies. He strikes them on the cheek and breaks the teeth of the wicked.

Be assured. Nations may rage as in Psalm 2, but salvation is not in our own power or even in their hands. Salvation belongs to our God. His free gift delivers blessing upon those who name his name.

There is great confidence and blessing when salvation overwhelms the brutal facts of foes and enemies.

“…how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard…” Hebrews 2:3