In our Psalm for today we hear the anguish of a father, being pursued by his son, who desires to kill him. Ironic for us, thinking of "Fathers Day" just last Sunday. But it is also a sad & important reminder that many people suffer attacks from many foes & enemies which you & I may not even be able to imagine. David cries out to the Lord for help, remembering he can count on the Lord to save him.
Psalm 3 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
1 O Lord, how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;
2 many are saying of my soul,
“There is no salvation for him in God.”
3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.
4 I cried aloud to the Lord,
and He answered me from His holy hill.
5 I lay down and slept;
I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.
7 Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God!
For You strike all my enemies on the cheek;
You break the teeth of the wicked.
8 Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people!
Whatever your specific circumstances, we all have many foes. Some are external to us; people who attack us and situations through which we must suffer. Some of our foes are internal; our own sinful desires and intentions. Luther summarizes our foes this way: the devil, the world and our sinful natures. Last Sunday we focussed on our enemy of self-glory, a toxic foe which can blind us to our need for the Savior Jesus.
But you and I have the hope of David, which he proclaims in verse three. God is your shield, your glory and God lifts up your head especially in times of suffering. And even more importantly, your salvation belongs to the Lord! Jesus Christ has died and has arisen from death, taking your punishment and giving to you salvation! He has given you a new life, right here among your enemies and this new life will continue for eternity in heaven!
How many are your foes, but far more powerful is the Lord, who gives you salvation!
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