What Does Psalms Chapter 3 Mean?

Chapter 3 of Psalms is a song of lament. David and his armies have been exiled by his own son. His current situation was a direct result of his sinful nature. His series of sins, starting with lust caused him to ultimately be punished by God. Even in David's lowest hour, when he is broken and torn, he turns to God for his strength and guidance. Through this song it is obvious that he is still putting his faith in God and his will, even if it does mean that he is to be put out like he already his. The meaning of this passage is that during the time of King David's exile, he wrote a song expressing how God is Faithful, and he is still God's chosen, therefore his enemies will meet their punishment.

This passage can have an implication of contentment. King David was once the ruler of God's kingdom. He was extremely wealthy and powerful. Respected by all, he had the whole nation at his command. Now he has been forced out, by his own son of all people. This is the perfect example of brokenness. However, he still writes a song with a message of faith. Verse 3 says " But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head (ESV)." When we are pushed down by life, and seemingly treated unfair we must remember that "salvation belongs to the Lord." Us being content with what is thrown at us is very important in the Christian walk. It is important to our witness and our peacefulness. Many people are discontent with their financial situation, health, or job, but even when life does not go according to the way we would want it to, we should be happy that "the blessings are on his people."

Chapter three also has a message of accepting the consequences of our actions. His current position at the time of writing this was a direct result of his sin and negligence. Through this he sees that he is, in essence, being punished for his sins by God. He is also not blaming God for where he is at, but instead he is faithful that God will bring justice to those who are against him. Like David we need to see that many of our problems are our own fault. During these times we do not need to blame God, but we need to stay faithful in him. Like King David, we need to see how, in the end, all will work according to his good will and for his glory. Many of us will find that our undesirable financial state is due mostly to our poor decisions. It is in our human nature to find the blame in everything but ourselves. This passage tells us that in these situations we still need to put our faith and trust in God.

This passage tell us that we can have peace, even in our darkest days. " I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.

Psalms 3:6 (ESV)." David had peace, even when he knew he was surrounded by the

Enemy. How often do we loose sleep when we stress over our current situation? "I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. Psalms 3:5 (ESV)" David could last the night through with the peace of God with him. Many of us might find that we have sleepless nights due to stress. Although not always possible, we should be able to find the peace of God, even when we are at our lowest point.

The personal significance that Psalms chapter 3 has for me is that when I am feeling low and depressed, broken, and far away I know that I can have refuge in God's saving power. The devices that work against me will eventually have their punishment, and I will eventually have my reward. I know that I can find and peace in the Grace of God and its saving power. The reason why the powers against me are so because of what I have and what they do not have.