MY LIFE IS FALLING APART, LORD

Psalm 3 is a psalm written by David.  It is not a psalm by a young shepherd or by a mighty and influential king.  Rather, it is a psalm written late in David's life when the whole nation realizes that he is now an old man and there will inevitably be a new king arise before long.  

Nevertheless, he is still highly regarded and he is STILL THEIR KING!  

It is at this time that his son, Absalom, decides that it is time to rise up and challenge his father's throne.  It is a sad narrative that is recorded in II Samuel 15-17 [for those who may want to review it].  The short version is:

• There is a history that is recorded in earlier chapters:  Absalom defends his sister, Tamar's, honor by killing the half-brother - Amnon - that raped her.  As a result, he has to flee for fear that his life is in peril.  After a long period, David is convinced to allow him to return to Jerusalem.  Absalom desperately wants to be restored to his father, but David won't allow it.  In bitterness, Absalom begins to undermine David's authority by charming the people and gaining their favor!
• Absalom plans to have himself declared the new king of Israel, but word of his plans reach David.  David immediately leaves the city with all his entourage, however, he leaves ten concubines to care for the palace.  He realizes that Absalom has laid a plan and is strong in power and numbers!  
• David - in his wisdom - plants spies in strategic places to keep him informed about Absalom's activity.  Strategic people who have long been loyal to David equip, inform and supply him in his escape from Absalom!  
• Absalom assumes the role of king and sleeps with the ten concubines on the roof of the palace as an act of defiance against his father!  Meanwhile, David crosses the Jordan and moves deep into the wilderness to avoid an attack by Absalom.  At the same time, God uses David's former advisor to thwart the plans of Absalom and give David time to escape!
• Eventually, the battle rages in the wooded area of Ephraim.  Absalom is killed and eventually his forces retreat. David is deeply grieved over the death of another son!  But he recovers - after being chided by his commander, Joab - and honors all those who have fought for him in restoring the kingdom!  

Sometime after all this, David writes Psalm 3.  It may very well be one of the last psalms he wrote.  It has three occurrences of the Hebrew word 'Selah'.  Typically, this word indicates a pause for reflection.  This may tell us that David wrote this psalm with deep feeling and much contemplation.  He surely reexperiences the pain of losing two sons as he writes.  This alone would explain the need for time to reflect and grieve!

The first petition (vs.1-2) recounts the fact that David's throne was attacked with such strength that many believed his kingship had come to an end!

The second expression is one of praise to the Eternal One for protecting David (vs.3-4).  It affirms the fact that God answered David's prayer of desperation!

The final section (vs.5-8) expresses David's complete trust in God and affirms the intervention of the Eternal One in David's life!  David's powerful enemies have been defeated and David is full of praise as a result!  

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QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• Has someone you love - even someone from your family - betrayed you?
• Is there turmoil in your family with friction, hatred, and cruelty being openly expressed?
• Have you been undermined by someone close and trusted?
• Have you lost your home and all that was comfortable to you?
• Have many who were once faithful to you now left and are favoring someone else?
• Do you feel alone and displaced?
• Does it seem that all is lost and you will never be restored to your former life and joy?
• Are people (figuratively) throwing stones at you and calling you names?
• Are you being publicly mocked?
• Does it look and feel like all is lost - FOREVER?

Perhaps you ought to turn to Psalm 3 and read it?  My suggestions are:

1.  Read it in a contemporary version that you can understand and relate to.  If you don't have  one, then punch 'Psalm 3 in The Voice Bible' into your browser and read it there!

2.  When you come to the word 'Selah' or 'pause', stop reading and just meditate on what you've read.  If you feel inclined to do so, write your thoughts in a notebook!  Talk with God about your feelings and let Him renew your trust!

3.  Don't hold back!  

     If you're angry - express your anger!  

     If you're disappointed - speak it out loud!
     If you feel that God has abandoned you - tell Him!
     If your enemies seem to be gaining the victory - call out this injustice!
     If life has left you desolate - weep, scream, wail...

4.  Now, talk with God about your situation and see if He has something to say to you.  Notice  where He takes your thoughts.

     Is He leading you to talk with someone?

     Is He comforting you?

     Is He instructing you?

     Is He pointing out sin in your life?

     Write down whatever He is doing and repeat this process daily until your God-channels are fully open again!

God bless you!  If you need prayer, or want to talk with someone who will keep your confidence - private message me on Messenger [or email me: halinasia@psmail.net].

Poison

In 399 B.C. Socrates drank a bowl of hemlock and self-initiated his own death. He had been found guilty by 280 of 500 of his fellow Athenians.  The poison first numbed his feet, then his legs.  Gradually it affected his ability to speak and then his consciousness.

Bitterness has the same effect as hemlock!  Recently I had a conversation with a couple who were deeply hurt by gossip in the church.  They dropped out of a prayer group because of this gossip.  It had - at some point - focused on their family.  They are still hurt and angry about it.  I wonder how long ago this offense took place.

Their report affected me too.  I also feel the bitterness of betrayal that results from gossip.  Most churches struggle to keep their prayer chain from becoming a gossip chain!  Our craving to know details often supersedes our genuine compassion.  We share intimacies not because we care, but because it gives us a feeling of power to know something that others don't know.  It's evil.

Psalm 141:3-7    The Voice (VOICE)

 Guard my mouth, O Eternal One;
    control what I say.
    Keep a careful watch on every word I speak.

Don’t allow my deepest desires to steer me toward doing what is 
    wrong or associating with wicked people
Or joining in their wicked works or tasting any of their pleasures.

Lord,
We need Your help to keep our words appropriate and just.  

When we have been hurt by gossip, help us to forgive.

When we have hurt others by gossip, help us to seek forgiveness and make amends.

Help us to remember that "...the tongue is a flame of fire.  It is full of wickedness, and poisons every part of the body...Men have trained, or can train, every kind of animal or bird...but no human being can tame the tongue.  It is always ready to pour out its deadly poison."  

Help those whose trust has been destroyed to heal.

Hold those accountable who take delight in hurting others!

Let Your Kingdom come, O Lord, through the power of Your Holy Spirit at work within us!
Amen.


[The scripture quoted in the prayer is from James 3:6-8  (NLT)]