Book 1: Psalm 1-41 God’s presence beside us
We have two new elements of the Psalms introduced in our passage tonight: titles and the word “Selah.”
- Titles
- They are recorded in the canonical text of the Hebrew Bible; therefore, we believe they are Scripture.
- They give background to the lyrics of the Psalms.
2. Selah
- No exact translation is known – most likely a musical notation such as a fermata.
- The general consensus is a pause or instrumental interlude to reflect on the words: “Think about this.”
A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son. (2 Samuel 15-18)
I. David’s cry to the Lord (1-2)
A. I am surrounded.
B. I am alone.
II. David’s confidence in the Lord (3-4)
A. Thou art my shield. (protection)
B. Thou art my glory. (provision)
C. Thou art my guardian. (promotion)
III. David’s comfort from the Lord (5-6)
A. I have peace in the midst of the storm.
B. I have confidence to awake.
IV. David’s commitment to the Lord (7-8)
A. I will call on God for my defense.
B. God will arise and defend me.
There are times when the circumstances of our lives drive us to feelings of great distress and sleepless nights. Psalm 3 is certainly such a situation. David is facing an insurrection by his own son. His kingdom and life are at risk. Rather than trusting in his own power and political connections, David turns to the Lord. How comforting it is to know that when everything in our lives appears to be out of our control, God is still fully in control. With this confident assurance, David could boldly state, “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.”