Psalm 3: A Morning Prayer

Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. —Psalm 3:2, 3

Psalm 3 “was composed by David when he fled from Absalom his son. ‘Spent with grief and the weariness of his flight, he with his company had tarried beside the Jordan for a few hours’ rest. He was awakened by the summons to immediate flight. In the darkness the passage of the deep and swift-flowing stream must be made by that whole company of men, women, and little children; for hard after them were the forces of the traitor-son.’. . . In the hours of darkest trial, David sang this sublime hymn of trust in God in the face of the enemy. . . . The psalm has been termed A Morning Prayer. It is the cry of the soul in the presence of danger; of trouble relieved by the passing of the night. It is closely related to [Psalm] 4, An Evening Prayer, which may be considered its sequel.” Nearly all of Israel had revolted against David (2 Samuel 15:6, 13).

LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God.

Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill” (Psalm 3:1–4).

David could hold his head up, confident that God would deliver him.

Trusting God’s protection, David lay down and slept peacefully. His faith in God allowed him to rest prior to facing the trials of the coming day.

“I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about” (vv. 5, 6). His night of sadness was changed to courage! The number of enemies no longer mattered. David was confident God would crush them all (v. 7).

“Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people” (v. 8). Selflessly, David considered the welfare of all his subjects—both those who remained loyal and those in rebellion. He prayed that God would bless all of Israel! “Whisper a prayer in the morning, / Whisper a prayer at noon; / Whisper a prayer in the evening, / To keep your heart in tune.”