Psalms 3:1-8
1 LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
7 Arise, 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.
8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
This is a morning psalm. It is the song of a soul in grave peril as a new day dawns. The consciousness of difficulty is first uttered. Adversaries are increased, and the bitterest part of the pain is that they mock him, declaring, There is no help for him in God.
Immediately succeeding, are the words that tell of the sufferer's confidence, and its reason. Jehovah is at once "Shield," and "Glory," and "Lifter up." Between this man and Jehovah communion is established-"I cry," and "He answereth."
Then follows the language of courage. He has "slept" and "awaked," because Jehovah sustained him. In this assurance he will not be afraid of the increased adversaries. Then out of these circumstances of peril and conviction of safety the prayer arises for salvation and is accompanied by the assertion that Jehovah already has heard and answered. A consciousness of the constancy of the divine love has always been the strength of the trusting soul amid circumstances of the greatest peril. If that is lost, all is lost. If that be maintained, no great waters can overwhelm.