Confidence Against All Odds (Psalm 3)

Psalm 3:1-8; 6

"I am not afraid of the thousands of people who have taken their stand against me on every side" (Ps 3:6, HCSB).

Do you feel confident when the odds are stacked against you? Do you live with no fear or anxiety in your heart when you are uncertain about your future? Can you sleep peacefully when there are troubles all about you?

In Psalm 1, we considered The Secret of Happiness. We learn that happiness is closely related to how we live and what we think most about (Ps 1:1-2). In Psalm 2, we proclaimed that God's King Rules. We know that despite unrelenting opposition and rebellion from rulers and nations (Ps 2:1-3), God's plan will never ever be thwarted or hindered (Ps 2:4-9). In Psalm 3, we learn from David, the man after God's own heart, how to deal with adversity without any fear and with full confidence.

Psalm 3 is the first psalm with a title. David is the author and the occasion is Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15-18). This psalm shows how David models genuine faith in his dire straits. Readers, both past and present, can learn from David's faith how to overcome our own times of difficulty, distress, despondency and despair. Consider David's perspective regarding:

1. What He See (1-2): Human opposition.
   
2. What He Believes (3-4): Divine protection.
   
3. What He Feels (5-6): Confidence without any fear.
   
4. What He Prays For (7): Victory over his foes.
5. What He Knows (8): Blessing that is sure.
   

I. What He See (1-2): Human opposition

II. What He Believes (3-4): Divine protection

III. What He Feels (5-6): Confidence without any fear

IV. What He Prays For (7): Victory over his foes

V. What He Knows (8): Blessing that is sure

Questions:

1. What occasion led David to write this psalm (2 Samuel 15:13-17:24)?
2. What did David know about his adversaries (1)? What did they say (2)? Who in particular (2 Sam 16:5-8)?
   
3. How did David view God (3)? What did he do and how did God respond (4)?
   
4. Why was David able to sleep in the midst of many troubles (5)? Why is insomnia a problem for many?
5. How did David feel knowing that there are thousands who are against him (6; Prov 29:25)?
6. How does David pray (7; Ps 7:8)? Should Christians today pray like him (Mt 5:44)?
7. What is David confident of (8)?
   

References:

1. Motyer, J Alec. The Psalms. New Bible Commentary. Downers Grove, Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 1994.
2. Kidner, Derek. Psalms 1 - 72: An Introduction and Commentary. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 1973.
3. Psalm 3 -- A Morning Prayer for God's Protection.
1. David's complaint (1-2).
2. David's comfort (3-6).
3. David's cry (7-8).
   
4. ESV Study Bible.
1. What he sees (1-2).
2. What he believes (3-6).
3. What he prays for (7-8).
   

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