February 16, 2021 -- Psalm 3:1-4 -- Defeating the Internal Monologue
/O Lord, how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;
2 many are saying of my soul,
“There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah
3 But you, O LORD are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.
4 I cried aloud to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah
Psalm 3:1-4 English Standard Version
What you are reading is the interior monologue in the psalmist’s brain. It is the constant voice in your own head talking at you. For the psalmist he is letting the foes, his enemies—whatever they are, whether physical, mental, spiritual or emotional—he is letting them gain the upper hand. In fact, his troublers don’t even have to lift a finger against the writer of this psalm because the psalmist’s own brain is defeating him for them. Verse 2 ends with a mocking statement that made the author pause. Notice the musical term “Selah”.
Scholars are divided as to what “Selah” means. It makes the most sense to interpret Selah as pause, re-read what was stated before and reflect. This action stirs the psalmist to remember he is praying to the LORD and the LORD is not mocked and the LORD is not silent!
Look at the strong names used: LORD—this is the Name God revealed to Moses Exodus 3:14. He is the personal God Who keeps covenant. He is the God Who is outside of time and is Mighty. The LORD is a shield. He stands over His people, when you feel weak, defeated and worn and shields you from all the attacks of the enemy. He is the glory of His people.
The LORD saves His people and crowns them with love and compassion. He is the Lifter of our Heads—we are not bowed down in weakness and sin, but the LORD has raised us up and called us beloved daughters and sons! This is the work of Jesus Christ—He has defeated the devil. Jesus has taken your place at the cross and received the punishment your sins deserved. Jesus had given you His righteousness! No wonder New Testament readers of Psalm 3 shout for joy!
God of Infinite Power blessed are You. O God Hope of the helpless and strength of the defeated, hear the cries of Your people this day. The world is awash with confusion and trembles at things which are foolishness and laughs at the Splendor of Your Name—and as Your beloved children we confess this is all so chaotic and messes with our thinking. Spirit of God direct our thoughts as You did for the Psalmist who then experienced and prophesied: our Shield, our Glory and the Lifter of our Head—all this we ask in the Name of Jesus our Warrior-King! Amen.
Delight in this children’s song which reminds us so powerfully of the truth which this psalm is communicating to your head and heart.
https://youtu.be/LXYr0IswMQg
