1 Lord, how are they increasing that
trouble for me? Many are they that rise up against me.
2 Many there be which say of my soul,
There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield
for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4 I cried unto the Lord with
my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5 I laid me down and slept; I awoke;
for the Lord sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousand
people who have set themselves against me roundabout.
7 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my
God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheekbone; thou hast
broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8 Salvation belongs unto the Lord:
thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
“If you fall
behind, run faster. Never give up, never surrender, and rise up against the
odds.” – Jesse Jackson.
Trusting
the Lifter of Our Heads
As we
embrace the new year of 2025, we stand at the intersection of reflection and
anticipation. The past year may have brought challenges, heartbreaks, or
uncertainty, yet the dawn of a new year offers hope and fresh opportunities.
Psalm 3, written by King David during one of his darkest seasons, resonates
deeply as a guide for anyone seeking God’s strength amid adversity.
Acknowledge
the Battle
David begins
Psalm 3 by acknowledging his troubles: “Lord, how are they increased that
trouble me! many are they that rise up against me” (Psalm 3:1). Life’s
challenges may seem overwhelming, but like David, we must face them honestly.
Whether it’s personal failure, societal pressures, or spiritual opposition,
naming our struggles is the first step toward overcoming them.
Scripture
echoes this truth in the New Testament: “In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus’ words remind us
that although challenges are inevitable, victory is secured in Him.
Desire: Enter the new year longing for
clarity and courage to face your battles.
Challenge: What are you afraid to confront as
you step into 2025? Pray for boldness to name these struggles and trust God’s
power.
Recognize
God as Your Shield
David’s
declaration in verse 3 is comforting and empowering: “But thou, O Lord, art a
shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” David’s faith in
God’s protection remains steadfast despite the encroaching enemies. God shields
us from harm and restores our dignity and confidence.
Consider the
imagery in Ephesians 6:16: “Take up the shield of faith, with which you can
extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” The same God who shielded
David arms us with faith to repel Life’s assaults.
Interest: Imagine God’s shield surrounding
you—impenetrable, steadfast, and tailored for your journey.
Challenge: Reflect on areas where you’ve
doubted God’s protection. Recommit to trusting Him as your shield in 2025.
Rest in
God’s Sustaining Power
David’s
confidence crescendos in verses 5-6: “I laid me down and slept; I awaken; for
the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that
have set themselves against me round about.” Even in chaos, David finds peace,
trusting God’s sustaining power.
The Old
Testament provides another example of God’s sustaining presence in Isaiah
41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will
strengthen you; I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right
hand.”
Desire: Seek God’s sustaining presence,
especially in weariness and doubt.
Challenge: How can you create rhythms of rest
and trust this year? Commit to times of prayer, reflection, and Sabbath.
Salvation
Belongs to the Lord
Psalm 3 ends
triumphantly: “Salvation belongs unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy
people” (Psalm 3:8). As we step into 2025, let us walk in the assurance that
our victories, both seen and unseen, come from God alone. His blessings are not
only for survival but for flourishing.
Let me
conclude with a call to action:
1.
Identify
three specific challenges you will surrender to God this year. Write them down
and pray over them regularly.
2.
Commit
to studying the promises of God in both the Old and New Testaments. Start with
Isaiah 41:10 and Philippians 4:13.
3.
Share
your journey of trusting God’s shield with someone in your community,
encouraging them to do the same.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly
Father,
We come
before You, grateful for the opportunity to reflect on Your Word and
faithfulness as revealed in Psalm 3. Lord, just as David proclaimed, we declare
that You are our shield, our glory, and the lifter of our heads. We trust in
Your power to sustain and deliver us in every challenge.
Father, we
thank You for being our refuge in times of trouble and for hearing our cries
when we call upon You. Your Word reminds us that we can rest, knowing You are
the One who sustains us. Even when the odds feel overwhelming, we are confident
that You fight our battles and secure our victory.
As we
conclude this time together, we ask for Your blessing upon one who has joined
us. May each person carry the assurance of Your protection into their daily
lives, knowing that salvation belongs to You and Your blessings are upon Your
people. Strengthen our hearts, increase our faith, and fill us with the courage
to face whatever comes, trusting fully in Your presence and power.
Lord, we
give You all the glory and honor, praising You for being the God who never
fails. May we continue to walk in the peace and confidence of
knowing You.
In Jesus’
mighty name, we pray. Amen.
Peace and Blessing,
Sherrie T.
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