When Walking Through Devastating Circumstances, Trials, or Betrayal

Introduction: What do we pray for when things are going from bad to worse? A very helpful practice is to go to the Scripture and pray the prayers of those who have gone through hard times themselves.

The Setting for Psalm 3

In 2 Samuel 15, David is dealing with the disloyalty of his son (vv. 1-5), and a rising tide of disloyalty in the nation—v. 6. As a result, “A messenger came and told David, ‘The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom’”—2 Samuel 15:13. So David, along with his officials, his household, and all his loyal old warriors retreated—vv. 14-18.

This doesn’t seem fair! Once we go through stretching moments, won’t that be the end of them? No! We’ll face trials all our life and some will be caused by those close to us.

• Notice the distractions—2 Sam. 15:23; 16:3,5-8. Ziba lies to him and Shemei curses him. But David’s initial response to the cursing is amazing, a good model—16:9-13 (esp. v. 12 and Proverbs 26:2).
  
  
• David’s final response is to refresh and strengthen himself—16:14 (a crucial response)!

1. Our Dilemma - Satan’s attempts to write our spiritual biography—vv. 1-2.
   
   
   1. The size of the opposition: “O LORD, how many are my foes...many rise up against me!”
      
      
      • David complains here of his increasing opposition; it’s overwhelming.
        
        
      • Have you ever felt like this? It’s a trick and a lie. Enemies are overstated and our
        friends/allies are understated—2 Kings 6:15-17; Heb. 1:14; Matt. 26:53; Isaiah 37:36.
        
        
   2. The Lies of the Opposition. v. 2—Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” Selah
      
      
      • It’s so obvious the tactics Satan uses are designed to scare us into defeat; to tempt us into giving up before the battle is even fought; or to destroy our confidence, our faith.
        Key Question: What lies or doubts has Satan used on us? John 8:44; Gen. 3:1
        
        
      • His grand tactic is to sneak into our hearts as a STORY TELLER.
        
        
2. Our Defense—vv. 3-8. Here is an accurate and truthful soul biography
   
   
   1. Our God is our protection. v. 3a—“...you are a shield around me, O LORD.” The truth is, God will protect David and us from our enemy’s attack—Genesis 15:1. We must remember to write this in our spiritual biography. It restates our protection and position!!

 

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Psalms: Songs for Life
Shoreline Community Church | shorelinecc.com | Pastor Bob Stone