Psalm 3 - A Lament

O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people!

Jesus, You stood against the thousands who set themselves against you. Your Father was your shield. And God, you are my strong shield when the enemy comes and the arrows fly. As this godless culture presses in on me and says hope in God is pointless, you lift my head. When I am discouraged, you answer me from the cross where my Protector claimed me as his own. And if you are for me, the enemy cannot win. You are still working for my good when I am discouraged and lose hope. Only you can keep me going. You are my salvation.

But I often look at the temptations around me; I look to myself, and not you for strength and endurance. I hope in things that can’t deliver me - I’m sorry. I can’t, in my own strength, trust you the way I should.

Thank you for caring for me in my weakness. Thank you Jesus, for being the salvation that I need. Thank you for loving me even though my faith is not what it should be and for keeping me from the evil one.

Jesus, I want to rest in your protection. Cause me to rest in you. Cause me to know, in a new way, that you are my Protector, and you will keep me safe. Amen