Post by Les Brewer on Dec 28, 2013 16:43:05 GMT
Grace Ministries Bible Study
The Relevance of Psalms Today
Psalm 3:4-8 (part 2)
Reflections of Psalm 3:1-3: The backdrop of this Psalm is the conflict between David and his son Absalom. Absalom had deceptively won the hearts of the men of Israel causing King David to flee. A more extensive understanding of the background can be found in part one of this study. In verse three David remembers who God is and what He has done for him. We need to remember the miraculous acts of God in our lives.
“I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
As David remembered that the Lord is his protector, the magnificence and splendor of his life and his encourager, he cries out to Him and in the same breath boldly and confidently proclaims “and he heard me.” Are you confident that the Lord hears you when cry out to Him? How did David know that God heard him? How do we know that God hears us? These questions are answered in verses five and six.
“I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.”
After crying out to the Lord David experiences God’s peace, which is how he knew his prayer had been heard. No sleepless nights for David. This was not a momentary peace but when he awoke God’s peace continued to engulf and sustain him. This is also how we know that our prayers have been heard. I have a question for you and I want you to truthfully answer it. After crying out to the Lord in prayer, when you get up off your knees do you experience God’s peace or are you still anxious about your situation? To experience this kind of peace you need to know without a shadow of a doubt that He is the Almighty God and that the Almighty God is dwelling in you.
“I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.”
The assurance that the Lord has heard your prayer is also signified by courage and a fearlessness of the situation. David proclaims “I will not be afraid.” Fear is a weapon Satan wheels against believers continually. Do not succumb to his terrene. We give him power in our lives when we fear. He has no power. Jesus rose with all power in His hands.
“Arise, O Lord; save me, my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.”
I love this verse. David’s son, Absalom used deceptive words to win the hearts of the men of Israel. We all have experienced people that lie about us. If you have not experienced this keep living. David says that God “hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.” It is very difficult to speak lies with a broken cheek bone and no teeth. David uses this word picture to show that God shut the mouths of his enemies. The Lord arose and save him from the lies of his son and other enemies. The Holy Spirit will do the same for you. Arise, Holy Spirit and shut the mouths of our enemies.
“Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
The word salvation means “to save” it also means “victory.” The Lord has blessed us with His victory. He stands completely victorious over the enemy. Whatever your situation is today walk victoriously for God has given you the victory.
Just to recap. How do you know that God has heard your prayer? You will experience His continual peace, courage and fearlessness. You will know without a shadow of a doubt that you are victorious. Our God is an awesome God!
The Relevance of Psalms Today
Psalm 3:4-8 (part 2)
Reflections of Psalm 3:1-3: The backdrop of this Psalm is the conflict between David and his son Absalom. Absalom had deceptively won the hearts of the men of Israel causing King David to flee. A more extensive understanding of the background can be found in part one of this study. In verse three David remembers who God is and what He has done for him. We need to remember the miraculous acts of God in our lives.
“I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
As David remembered that the Lord is his protector, the magnificence and splendor of his life and his encourager, he cries out to Him and in the same breath boldly and confidently proclaims “and he heard me.” Are you confident that the Lord hears you when cry out to Him? How did David know that God heard him? How do we know that God hears us? These questions are answered in verses five and six.
“I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.”
After crying out to the Lord David experiences God’s peace, which is how he knew his prayer had been heard. No sleepless nights for David. This was not a momentary peace but when he awoke God’s peace continued to engulf and sustain him. This is also how we know that our prayers have been heard. I have a question for you and I want you to truthfully answer it. After crying out to the Lord in prayer, when you get up off your knees do you experience God’s peace or are you still anxious about your situation? To experience this kind of peace you need to know without a shadow of a doubt that He is the Almighty God and that the Almighty God is dwelling in you.
“I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.”
The assurance that the Lord has heard your prayer is also signified by courage and a fearlessness of the situation. David proclaims “I will not be afraid.” Fear is a weapon Satan wheels against believers continually. Do not succumb to his terrene. We give him power in our lives when we fear. He has no power. Jesus rose with all power in His hands.
“Arise, O Lord; save me, my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.”
I love this verse. David’s son, Absalom used deceptive words to win the hearts of the men of Israel. We all have experienced people that lie about us. If you have not experienced this keep living. David says that God “hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.” It is very difficult to speak lies with a broken cheek bone and no teeth. David uses this word picture to show that God shut the mouths of his enemies. The Lord arose and save him from the lies of his son and other enemies. The Holy Spirit will do the same for you. Arise, Holy Spirit and shut the mouths of our enemies.
“Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
The word salvation means “to save” it also means “victory.” The Lord has blessed us with His victory. He stands completely victorious over the enemy. Whatever your situation is today walk victoriously for God has given you the victory.
Just to recap. How do you know that God has heard your prayer? You will experience His continual peace, courage and fearlessness. You will know without a shadow of a doubt that you are victorious. Our God is an awesome God!
