SLEEPING AMID A COUP

Despite his status as one of the Bible’s great heroes, much of David’s family life was messy. Murder, rape, and intrigue were recurring themes. But the plot by Absalom to overthrow David and take the kingdom was an extreme example (see 2 Samuel 15–17). David and many of the people loyal to him had to escape from Jerusalem as Absalom’s army approached, crossing the Jordan for safety before making a stand in the wilderness beyond in a bid to retake the kingdom. Although David’s forces were able to defeat Absalom’s army, David was more concerned about mourning the death of his son than celebrating the military victory, causing further resentment among David’s supporters. As tragic as this history is, we gain an intimate insight into David’s mindset in Psalm 3. Whether this was something written while he was on the run or as he was reflecting on his experience afterward, Psalm 3 is both a song of praise and a cry for help. Although David was well aware of the dangers that threatened him, his experience with God was primarily one of trust. Sleep is a human need, but it is also an experience of great vulnerability. This is why stress so affects our ability to sleep.

When we are under pressure or under attack, our body often does not allow us to relax into sleep. But David’s understanding of God’s presence with him allowed him to sleep even while under threat. And while Absalom was organizing an army that would march out against David (see 2 Samuel 17:1), David could declare that he was unafraid.

Even if members of his own family and a large portion of the people of his kingdom were against him, he insisted that “the LORD sustains me.”