[Songs of Praise] Now This Is the MusicSample

David’s Solution

David fled from Absalom with his household, his personal guard, and many people. They spent the night crossing the river and came to an unfamiliar city for refuge with the first lights of day. In a couple of hours, the men would be fighting a fierce battle against their own brothers in the valley and in the forest.

David wrote a song proclaiming the solution that God had placed in front of him. We can do just the same.

In his song, David assessed his circumstances and talked about them directly to God. He saw that his troubles were on the rise, his friends had become his foes, and his enemies were seizing the occasion to destroy him. They said that no help would come to him, not even from God. This is a gut-wrenching, brutally honest look at his situation.

He then acknowledged God this way, “But You, Oh Lord, are…” (Psalm 3:3). David affirmed that even when circumstances seem hopeless, God is our Shield, our Glory, and the One who lifts us up. David confessed who God is. He addressed the congregation (who would ultimately sing this song), telling them, “I cried, and God heard and brought me just what I needed – rest.”

David asked God for His help. He turned to the only One who has the power, strength, and compassion to help, and petitioned Him to move on his behalf. David said, “Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God.”

Finally, David sang as if God had already saved him. He said that God had already done the work of salvation. He reminded the nation that the Lord and His blessings were already upon them.

Notice how much time David spent in confession and praise versus lament and petition. Do you and I do it backwards? What might happen if we spent more time in confessing our trust and vowing to praise God? Where would our focus shift? What might that do to our perspective?

Lord, You know what I’m going through today. My troubles are on the rise, and I need Your help. You are my Shield and the One who lifts me up. Arise, O Lord, and save me!