Today’s study will look at the 3rd chapter of Psalms and Proverbs. It’s a reminder that we will face trouble the side of heaven.
Listen to recording here: Podbean Recording.
Perhaps that’s why the word test is in testimony.
Although he was not perfect, he is an example of … one who conquered battles for God’s glory, triumphed through trial,
testified of God‘s faithfulness through trouble.
Point 1 — David’s complaint…
Psalms 3:1 -
(Morning Prayer of Trust in God.
A PSALM OF DAVID, WHEN HE FLED FROM ABSALOM HIS SON.)
“O LORD, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me.”
—-
The deepest of all grief is evident here by David. We have to understand that he has been betrayed (by his son, Absalom) and is now being Afflicted by those who are making accusations toward him. He wanted to rescue Absalom it was unable to get his heart is truly grieved what is having to deal with.
Spurgeon quote :: deepest pain.
"If all the trials which come from heaven, all the temptations which ascend from hell, and all the crosses which arise from the earth, could be mixed and pressed together, they would not make a trial so terrible as that which is contained in this verse. It is the most bitter of all afflictions to be led to fear that there is no help for us in God.
-C.H. Spurgeon
Bible commentary reads::
“many ... foes” were surrounding him. In fact forces of the opposition had driven him from the palace and were then surrounding him.
Reminds me of Psalm 23…. In part.
“You prepare me a table IN THE PRESENCE of my enemies…” (I wonder what would it be like to eat your meals and to be able to look into the eyes of your enemy who is ready to attack!”)
We can never fully understand the depth of God‘s love until we have reached the very depth of pain and anguish.
Written on this is Precept Austin:
“Dearly beloved, Are you facing an insurmountable obstacles and losing all hope of victory? Do you feel overwhelmed and powerless in your present circumstances? Then run into the Strong Tower of Jehovah Sabaoth, crying out to the LORD of hosts. "May Jehovah answer you in the day of trouble! May the NAME of the God of Jacob set you securely on high (see sagab)...Some boast in chariots, and some in horses, but we will boast in the NAME of Jehovah, our God. (Psalm 20:1, 7 Spurgeon) Our Redeemer, the LORD of HOSTS is His NAME, the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 47:4) — https://www.preceptaustin.org/jehovah_sabaoth_-_lord_of_hosts
Point 2 — Salvation = Deliverance
Salvation means deliverance. It is both spiritual and earthbound. David saw the blessings of the Lord as having impact on his winning and losing.
Psalms 3:3
But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.
Psalms 3:6
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, Who have set themselves against me round about.
**Psalms 3:8
Salvation belongs to the LORD;
Your blessing be upon Your people!
(Selah.)
David, twice was told to deliver himself from the grip of Absalom. In both times he refused because he said that the deliverance will be from the Lord!
Point 3 — How shall we respond when the world is against us?
It seems as though David was one filled with compassion for even his enemies. We find in second Samuel 15 through 18 the rebellion of Absalom.
We read in 2 Samuel 19:6 —
“You seem to love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that your commanders and troops mean nothing to you. It seems that if Absalom had lived and all of us had died, you would be pleased.”
2 Samuel 19:6 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.19.6.NLT
And again in 2 Samuel 19:21–23.
“Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shimei should die, for he cursed the Lord’s anointed king!” “Who asked your opinion, you sons of Zeruiah!” David exclaimed. “Why have you become my adversary today? This is not a day for execution, for today I am once again the king of Israel!” Then, turning to Shimei, David vowed, “Your life will be spared.””
2 Samuel 19:21-23 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.19.21-23.NLT
—
Psalms 3:7
Arise, O LORD!
Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.
In Psalm three we find that David has asked God to slap his offender & break their teeth. **I have to believe that this can be taken both literally but also figuratively.
Though, if we fear not it is because of our faith in God — it is like breaking the teeth of our enemies. When David fought the lion he was able to subdue it & kill it. When he fought the bear he was able to escape it and kill it.
**The metaphor is that he is saying to break that which has its grip on me.
We can easily cross reference these early writings of Psalm and Proverbs. They almost overlap the theme and ideas. It’s as if Solomon took from David’s writings to compile his own wisdom writings.
Proverbs 3:3-4
Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good repute
In the sight of God and man.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
Proverbs 3:35
The wise will inherit honor,
But fools display dishonor.
——
C.H. Spurgeon — Quote:
"If all the trials which come from heaven, all the temptations which ascend from hell, and all the crosses which arise from the earth, could be mixed and pressed together, they would not make a trial so terrible as that which is contained in this verse. It is the most bitter of all afflictions to be led to fear that there is no help for us in God.
-C.H. Spurgeon
—-
If there is a key verse that unlocks the power and purpose of Proverbs, it is: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). I believe the Lord wants you and me to grow in our relationship with Him and in our knowledge of Him and the way knowledge begins is with the fear of the Lord.
Oswald Chambers has said, "The remarkable thing about fearing God is that, when you fear God, you fear nothing else; whereas, if you do not fear God, you fear everything else."
https://www.marionstar.com/story/news/2021/08/14/rev-street-fear-lord-beginning-wisdom/5536937001/
As we conclude these two related messages we can come to a greater understanding of what it is to walk with God.
- When the world is against God, He laughs. (Part 1)
- When the world is against us… (Part 2)
How should we then live?
- I believe that we should have compassion for the lost.
- I believe that we should pray and hope for God’s blessing that judgment on our neighbors or any of our enemies.
- I believe that as we experience life‘s most difficult challenges, (when the world seems to be against us), we would draw strength from God alone!
God can do more through your surrender than you can with your control. @RickeCarder
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Read part 1 of this study :: When The World Is Against GOD, He Laughs!
