You will notice in your Bible an editor’s note identifying Psalm 3 as a psalm of David composed when his son Absalom rose up against him forcing the king to flee his throne and the capital city of Jerusalem. Recorded in 2 Samuel 15, this event is the culmination of years of rebellion on the part of Absalom against his father. Absalom conspired against his father and stole the affection of the people by implying his father the king cared little for them (2 Samuel 15:3-6). Psalm 3:1-4 records David’s cry to the LORD.
David, once the champion of Israel, finds himself surrounded by enemies who had once shouted his praises. The loneliness of the king and his desperate cry to God rouses the heart of any who have been in leadership and felt the blow of betrayal and the burden of humiliation. The king’s flight emboldened his enemies to deride, “not even God will deliver him!” (Psalm 3:2)
Betrayed by his son and rejected by his people, David took solace in the character and promises of God (Psalm 3:3). He remembered the LORD was his “shield”, Defender, and Sovereign. Though driven from the throne by his enemies, the king was confident God would exact vengeance and justice would prevail. Humiliated and discouraged, but not defeated; David was confident God saw his plight and heard his cry (Psalm 3:4).
My friend, I am afraid the delusional, wicked spirit of David’s son, Absalom is characteristic of our generation. As Absalom was devoid of a son’s natural affection and respect for his father (Romans 1:30-31), this generation mirrors the same disregard of its elders in its lusts for rights and privileges it has neither earned nor deserves. Like Absalom, too many of this day are a grief to their parents.
No doubt there are parents reading this devotional who, in their own circumstance, identify with David’s sorrow. To face an enemy is sorrow enough, but when that enemy is your own son or daughter, mere words fail to express the grief and anguish of a parent’s broken heart.
I close with a word of encouragement—God hears and answers the cry of His people in the night. The LORD is for you, Who he was for David, your Shield and Defender.
Psalm 3:8 – 8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
Copyright 2019 – Travis D. Smith