This morning I read several psalms and came back to Psalm 3, which spoke to me. If you pay attention to new legislation or watch the news, something is happening in this country I never thought I would see: Christians are being cancelled from social media in an effort to silence the Lord’s truth for worldliness.

Jesus Himself said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matt 5:10-12)

I’ve seen a lot of posts on social media bemoaning what Jesus said would come. Those being persecuted have some choice in the matter. If we don’t choose to avoid doing what is right, in order to avoid being harassed or harmed, then we are making a conscious choice to honor God, and to be faithful to Him, despite persecution from those who are unrighteous. Jesus said for this we will be blessed. We are to keep in mind that this is not our best life; our best life is to come when we are able to praise the Lord in eternity.

To put Psalm 3 in context, David’s son, Absalom, began a violent revolution, even contemplating sending a 12,000-man army to kill his father (2 Sam 17:1-3). Only the interference of David’s ally prevented that overwhelming assault from happening (2 Sam 17:15-16). 

David begins by expressing the trouble he faces. His enemies are vast in number, and increasing in their power and influence. Beyond that, it seems David’s peers are suggesting he’s been abandoned by God. The situation seems bleak. Other people are telling David to give up and accept his doom, but that’s not what David does.

“Lord, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. Many are they who say of me, ‘There is no help for him in God.’ Selah But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Selah” (Ps 3:1-4)

This wasn’t the first time David faced dire circumstances. Many times, he trusted God to carry him through danger. Faced with those struggles and threats, David slept soundly knowing God was entirely in control. This present trouble, for David, was no different. Even though there are—literally—thousands of people against him, his faith is not shaken. “I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.” (Ps 3:5-6)

Based on that conviction, David prays for God to deliver victory over these enemies. The imagery here is graphic, picturing a devastating blow that shatters an enemy and leaves them incapable of fighting back. Confidence based on experience shines through in David’s prayer over his dangerous situation. “Arise, O Lord; Save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah” (Ps 3:7-8)

If you find yourself in enemy territory and need to be sustained, I encourage you to seek the Lord and trust in Him because He promises to see you through. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Prov 3:5-6)