THE TRIUMPH OF

PSALM 3

INTRODUCTION This psalm intermingles both lament and confidence. In its sweeping scope, it becomes a pattern for praise, peace, and amidst pressure. 1 John MacArthur

1A. THE BELIEVER’S TRIAL (3:1-2)

1B. The sheer multitude of his trials. (3:1a)

Absalom raised a great army against . (2 Samuel 17:1)

Sometimes just the sheer number of trials can be overwhelming! (2 Corinthians 11:24-28)

2B. The personal nature of his trials. (3:1b)

For David, this attack was personal. (2 Samuel 15:12-13)

Trails, by their very nature, are very personal. (1 Peter 4:12-13)

3B. The devastating effect of his trials. (3:2)

David’s enemies wanted him to believe had deserted him. (2 Samuel 16:7-8)

Have you ever felt like God has abandoned you? (Hebrews 13:5-6)

2A. THE BELIEVER’S REFUGE (3:3-4)

1B. The Lord is our protector. (3:3a)

He is a sure shield. (:1)

He is a surrounding shield. (:12; 32:7) “The sovereignty of God is all-encompassing and all-pervasive. He holds absolute sway over this world. Everything happens because God wills it to happen.”2 John Piper

1 John F. MacArthur Jr., The MacArthur Study : New American Standard Bible. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006), Ps 3:1–8. 2 John Piper, The Coronavirus and Christ (Wheaton, IL., Crossway, 2020), Loc. 309.

FBP 05/01/20 #3 The Lyrics of Life 2B. The Lord is our glory. (3:3b)

For David, his identity (glory) was found in God not in his throne.

For the believer, our identity is found in Christ. Ø When God saved us, He changed us. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Ø We were given a new nature and a new identity. (Galatians 2:20)

3B. The Lord is our joy. (3:3c) When we are downcast, He lifts our heads and causes us to see Him, our hope and our joy. (:4-5) In the midst of our sorrows and trials, Jesus lifts our head and gives joy in the midst of ashes. (Isaiah 61:3)

4B. The Lord is our deliverer. (3:4)

The Lord hears our . (:6; 1 Peter 3:12)

The Lord answers our prayers. (1 John 5:14-15)

The Lord delivers His people. (Psalm 34:19)

3A. THE BELIEVER’S TRIUMPH (3:5-8)

1B. The peace of God (3:5-6; 4:8; Isaiah 26:3)

2B. The power of God (3:7)

It is saving power – Arise, O Lord! Save me…(:4)

It is sovereign power – Strike all of my enemies…(Isaiah 54:17)

3B. The praise of God (3:8)

For His grace – Salvation belongs to the Lord. (:8; Isaiah 43:11; Romans 9:16)

For His goodness – Your blessing be upon Your people. (:11)

FBP 05/01/20 #3 The Lyrics of Life