When Attacks Come From All Sides
A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
“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. Selah. 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. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the neck of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.” Psalm 3:1-8 KJV
Do you ever feel in life as though you are being attacked from all sides? All of us have and I have found some comfort from David’s words. David was feeling like the entire world was rising up against him, his own son was plotting to take his life. He had to be frustrated to the point of giving up. How could he battle against his own son? But David knew he could not quit. He knew that God was with him and would walk with him through this period of his life and the situation he was facing.
The end goal of the enemy is to wear us down and to make us feel as though the attacks come from all angles and from every direction. But take comfort from what David knew. He knew that God was a shield all about him so it did not matter from what direction the attacks came. We are totally surrounded by His protection and He is shielding us. We may not foresee the blows the enemy wishes to mete out, but God has and He has already surrounded us so that nothing may reach us as we trust in Him only. David goes on to say that tens of thousands could rise against him nevertheless, he was secure and certain in God. So are we and even more so because of Jesus!
The last verse is perhaps the best. It is saying that in just the same way that salvation belongs to the Lord, so then does His blessing belong to His people. Salvation is certain in Jesus and His blessings (not curses) just as surely belong to us! That is hope that we can always hang onto. His blessings, all the victories and good things He has prepared and established for us are ours. Firmly grab hold of them and not let go in those moments that you feel attacks coming from every side. Hold on and see every blessing come to pass to His glory and to our great joy.
J Todd Hostetler