There are times in our lives, even as believers, when we feel as though we are surrounded by trouble and turmoil. Psalm 3, written by King David, is a good example of one of those occasions. David writes: "Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!" (v. 1) Even when it seems as though people are against us, we have to remember that it is Satan and his forces of darkness that are behind our troubles. ["For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12 NLT] Having this perspective will move us to use the powerful spiritual weapons at our disposal - including prayer, God's Word and promises, the Name of Jesus, and the armor of God - which will be far more effective than any worldly weapons.

In the very next verse, David declares: "Many are saying of me, 'God will not deliver him.'" (v. 2) In times of trouble, turmoil, or pain, we may hear words like, "God is not going to save you this time. You are on your own. This trouble is going to be the end of you." Whether the source is our own carnal minds or the forces of darkness, we can reject those words, and begin dwelling on - and declaring - the truth of God's Word and His promises. How did David respond to those who were saying that God would never "deliver him"? He declared: "But You, Lord, protect me. You bring me honor; You give me hope!" (v. 3 ERV) Besides declaring God's goodness and willingness to help him, David responds with prayer: "I will pray to the Lord, and He will answer me from His holy mountain." (v. 4 ERV)

David's confidence in God is so complete that he records: "I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side." (v. 5-6 NLT) The fact is, David WAS surrounded by thousands of enemies, because he wrote this psalm during his son Absalom's attempts to steal his father's throne. Even so, David didn't lose any sleep. He trusted the Lord to protect and deliver him, and God didn't disappoint him. When we demonstrate the same kind of faith that David did, we won't lose any sleep during times of trouble, either.

David ends this psalm by saying: "From the Lord comes deliverance. May Your blessing be on Your people." (v. 8) The Message Bible says it this way: "Real help comes from God. Your blessing clothes Your people!" Hallelujah! The Lord miraculously delivered David, and He will do no less for you!

Prayer: Lord, in times of trouble, turmoil, or pain, help me to turn to You for help. Teach me how to pray the prayers of Your heart, and to reject thoughts and words of doubt and defeat. Protect me, bring me honor, and give me hope. Fill me with Christlike confidence and peace, so that I can sleep soundly each night, and wake up refreshed each morning. Thank You that as I look to You for my deliverance, I will receive the "real help" that only You can provide!