Chronicles of a Journeyman

Psalm 3

This song of David, written while he was fleeing a rebellion led by his son Absalom, can be broken down into three sections.

Vs. 1-2: Lamentation (about troubles)

Vs. 3-6: Confession (of faith)

Vs. 7-8: Supplication (for help)

Lamentation

David pours out his heart to the LORD in a lament. Although his son is the face of the rebellion, David understands that he is in trouble mostly because his enemies have multiplied, and many of them are convinced that God will not help him.

Confession

However, David is assured that the LORD is with him, shielding and exalting him, in spite of his past sins. He knows he’s forgiven and protected by the LORD because he cried to Him and was heard. So he chooses not to fear his multitude of enemies.

Supplication

On the strength of God’s past deliverances, David asks for salvation from his troubles. He acknowledges the LORD alone saves and blesses, and appeals to His power and might for deliverance.

David’s progression from lamentation to confession to supplication is a helpful template for us. We can lament before the Lord one moment and express our faith in Him the next – those are not contradictory. The key is to end our prayers on a note of trust in His power to save and deliver.