1. This morning we examined the supplications that David made in Psalm 86. 2. This evening we are concentrating on the information that David recorded in Psalm 3. 3. As a result of experiencing great trouble,: a. David informed God of his troubles (vs.1-2) b. David expressed his confidence that God would help him (vs.3-6) c. David asked God to save him (vs.7-8). 4. To fully appreciate David's message in Psalm 3, we must understand . . . Discussion: I. THE SETTING IN WHICH DAVID WROTE THIS PSALM
A. The heading states that this is "A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son." B. A number of events caused David to flee from Absalom. 1. Earlier, David committed adultery with Bathsheba, and he had her husband killed. 2. David learned that his family would suffer (2 Samuel 12:10). 3. Even though David repented, he suffered greatly because of his sins. a. Bathsheba's child died (2 Samuel 12:18). b. Later, David's son, Absalom, killed his half-brother, Amnon (2 Samuel 13). c. Absalom left for a time (2 Samuel 13:37-38), but he eventually returned (14:23). d. Absalom began to win over the Israelites (2 Samuel 15:6b, 12b). e. David had to leave Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:13-14). f. David was filled with sadness as he left Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:30). g. A plot to kill David was soon devised (2 Samuel 17:1-4). C. As he faced these difficulties, . . . II. DAVID INFORMED GOD OF HIS TROUBLES (vs.1-2)
A. (vs.1) David told God that "many" troubled him and had risen up against him (Psalm 69:4). B. (vs.2) "Many" also claimed that God would not help David. C. After telling God about these troubles, . . . III. DAVID EXPRESSED HIS CONFIDENCE THAT GOD WOULD HELP HIM (vs.3-6)
A. (vs.3) David recognized God as his "shield," his "glory," and "the lifter up of his head." B. (vs.4) David remembered that God had helped him on other occasions. 1. God had protected David when he kept his father's sheep, when he faced Goliath, and when Saul attempted to kill him. 2. God's protection in the past gave David confidence. C. David's confidence in God's protection was great. 1. (vs.5) David was able to sleep because God sustained him. 2. (vs.6) David would not be afraid if thousands rose against him. D. After stating how confident he was that God would protect him, . . . IV. DAVID ASKED GOD TO HELP HIM (vs.7-8)
A. (vs.7) David asked God to "save" him. B. (vs.8a) David acknowledged that God is the source of "salvation." C. (vs.8b) In addition to praying for himself as he faced troubles, David asked God to bless His people. Conclusion:
1. David faced many troubles, but he trusted that God would always protect him. 2. Through faith we can be like David. 3. Let us: a. call upon the Lord for help as David did (Hebrews 4:16) b. have confidence that the Lord will protect us (Hebrews 13:5-6).
