When panic rises and problems feel too big, it’s time to turn our eyes from the battle. That’s not easy. Panic and uncertainty keep drawing us back. Our focus wants to stay locked in on what’s going wrong. But we need to look elsewhere. Where?
Psalm 3:3 (NASB):
“But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.”
Let’s read the whole Psalm. It’s only eight verses. The heading in my bible says:
A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
This wasn’t just a political crisis. It was a personal betrayal. Absalom had plotted against his own father. He used manipulation and flattery to win the hearts of the people—the very people who once adored David for all the right reasons. Courage. Humility. A heart for God. But now they turned on him.
David was on the run. Absalom staged a coup. He used his charisma to convince the people that David was evil. David ran for his life as more troops joined the hunt. He returned to the cliffs—the same mountainous area where he once fled from Saul. At least he knew the best hiding spots.
Now picture David again. He’s making sure to remain hidden, peering down across the valley. The enemy camps have gathered below. They are organized and growing. David’s in real danger.
Psalm 3 (NASB)
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.”
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.
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.
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!
Racing Thoughts and A Broken Heart
David wasn’t just outnumbered. He was heartbroken. His son betrayed him. His people abandoned him. He was emotionally and physically exhausted. He wasn’t as young and fit as he once was. He couldn’t keep his eyes off the enemy’s troops as they marched ever closer. His mind raced with a thousand strategies and a thousand more what-ifs.
Yahweh saw that. He did what a loving parent does when a child is afraid: He stoops, carries them and says, “You’re safe. I’ve got you.”
God called David to rest. That’s hard for a warrior. David’s instinct was to stay alert. But God said, “Sleep.”
David trusted Him.
“I lay down and slept.”
Then the quiet proof of that trust:
“I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.”
If you’re in a place of betrayal, heartbreak, or fear, He sees you and reminds you that the battle belongs to Him.
Until next time,
©2025 Katherine Walden
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