David experienced a very bad week. His son, Absalom, launched a coup in an attempt to wrest away the kingdom for himself. David and his supporters fled Jerusalem, while many across the nation supported Absalom. Both frightening and deeply saddening, flames engulfed David’s world. He left home in mourning.

But in the midst of all this David took up his stylus and wrote these words:

You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and I sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.

David crossed the Mount of Olives, weeping as he left, much like Jesus would weep for Jerusalem from the same spot. Even with the betrayal of his son ripping his heart, David looked to the Lord with hope. His life hung in the balance, but still David fell asleep and woke the next morning, reliant on the Lord.

I’m not sure I possess that kind of faith. I tend to lean toward the “curse God and die” crowd. But David’s unwavering trust encourages me to take my apprehensions and anger to the Lord when it feels like our world is going up in smoke. His confidence breeds confidence.

David closed with a statement and prayer you and I can repeat today: From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

Amen. Keep the faith.

Psalm 3 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Jen Theodore