Psalms

Chapter 3

Trust in God Amid Troubles

The psalmist cries out to God, surrounded by many enemies who claim God cannot help him. Yet he testifies that God is his shield and lifter of his head, and having called upon the LORD, he was heard and sustained. He refuses fear despite being outnumbered, asking God to save him and smite his enemies, for salvation belongs to the LORD and His blessing rests upon His people.

Divine protectionEnemies and persecutionGod as shieldTrust amid fear

¹LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

²Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

³But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

⁴I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

⁵I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

⁶I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

⁷Arise, 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.

⁸Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

Ch. 23 of 150Ch. 4