Psalm 3

Have you ever felt like you're trying your best, but nothing in life is going as planned?

King David must have felt this. Probably more than once.

As a boy, he patiently served his father by looking after the family sheep even though he was identified as the future king. As a young man, he faithfully served King Saul despite Saul's jealousy and tendency to throw the occasional spear at his head. As a man on the run, David found himself living alongside Israel's enemies because his beloved King was still out to get him. At one point, he was even about to go to war alongside the Philistines, only to be kicked out of the fight and sent home to discover his family and possessions had been taken.

Fast-forward a few years, and David is on the throne of Israel and Judah. He's made mistakes along the way, but he's also lived up to the label of being "a man after God's own heart.” He's doing his best to walk in obedience and reverence before God. Things should be good from here on out, right? Wrong! Now in his 60s, David is on the run again, this time because his son usurped him and took his throne.

Despite his best attempts at righteous living, David experiences the sting of betrayal and what appears to be the unfair elevation of his enemies.

It's in this place that King David writes the words of the Third Psalm.

In this Psalm, David is honest and open with God about what he's experiencing and how it's making him feel (v. 1-2). He reminds himself of the truth of who God is (v. 3-6). And he boldly prays for God to meet his needs and protect him (v.7-8).

Take a moment today and practice this pattern of reflection for yourself.

What is happening in your life right now, and how do you feel about it?

Who is God, and how does He relate to you?

What do you need provision for today?