What’s your attitude when you’re facing difficult times?  If you focus on the difficulties that you’re facing, you may experience a downward spiral and feel overwhelmed.  King David of Israel encountered a number of challenges in his life.  What was his attitude that enabled him to overcome the difficult times in his life?

We have a window into the life of David as he reveals his heart in Psalm 3.  This is a Psalm of lament in which the Psalmist expresses deep sorrow and cries out to God for His intervention.  The superscription to this Psalm reveals that this a Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.  Let’s look at David’s strategy for facing difficult times.

1. Acknowledge the brutal facts of reality.

O Lord, how my adversaries have increased!
Many are rising up against me.
Many are saying of my soul,
“There is no deliverance for him in God.” Selah.  (Psalm 3:1-2)

David pours out his heart to God concerning the enemies who were against him.  David was not minimizing the challenges he was facing.  As we read the historical background of this event, “. . . the conspiracy was strong, for the people increased continually with Absalom”  (2 Samuel 15:12b).

This section concludes with the term Selah (סֶלָה).  This is a technical musical term indicating a pause in the music, most likely for reflection.  The word Selah is found only in Hebrew poetry and it occurs over 70 times in the Psalms and 3 times in Habbakuk.  What is your response to a difficult situation?  Do you acknowledge the magnitude of the situation and then bring it to God?  The next section begins with the word “But”.  David contrasts his difficult situation with God’s faithfulness.

2. Believe in the faithfulness of God.

But You, O Lord, are a shield about me,
My glory, and the One who lifts my head.
I was crying to the Lord with my voice,
And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah.

I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me round about.  (Psalm 3:3-6)

David enumerates the blessings that God provides:  God is a shield, He is David’s glory, and He is the One who lifts David’s head.  As David cried out to the Lord, He answered him.  David therefore enjoyed the benefits of peace of mind as he enjoyed restful sleep and freedom from fear.

3. Commit to walking in the truth.

Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God!
For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek;
You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.
Salvation belongs to the Lord;
Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah.  (Psalm 3:7-8)

David ends with a note of confidence.  He recognizes God’s sovereignty and commits himself to trusting in God regardless of what happens. Life is filled with difficult challenges.  Will your focus be upon the problem or the God who can enable you to face the difficulty?

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

RickAssociate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5