PSALMS teach us

1) Who God is 2) How God has communicated with us 3) How we may communicate with God

“….poetry was the natural medium through which to give expression to the most profound of human feelings and insights; prayer, praise, liturgy, wisdom and lament were conveyed in the words of poetry.” {Peter C. Craigie} “…for there is not an emotion of which any one can be conscious that is not here represented as in a mirror…the Holy Spirit has here drawn to the life all the griefs and sorrows, fears, doubt, hopes, cares, perplexities, in short, all the distracting emotions with which the minds of men are wont to be agitated. The PSALMS are an anatomy of all parts of the soul.” {John Calvin}

Psalm 3

“PRAYING THROUGH FAMILY TURMOIL”

Selah Moments

“….and they all lived……….” Fairy tales may be great stories to share with our children, but the reality of family life demands TRUTH! We need to hear from GOD and HIS WORD

SELAH • a term of uncertain origin and of doubtful meaning • some suggest is a liturgico-musical mark – a musical ‘rest’ to assist the musicians in leading the congregation in worship • AMPLIFIED – “to pause and calmly think about that” “weigh carefully the meaning”

Psalm 3 • The first psalm ascribed to David in the superscription •The first psalm linked to a real event in David’s life (14 psalms) • A LAMENT psalm –

What is a LAMENT psalm?

A cry of despair, anger, protest and doubt. “There is no attempt in Scripture to whitewash the anguish of God’s people when they undergo suffering. They argue with God, they complain to God, they weep before God. Theirs is not a faith that leads to dry-eyed stoicism, but to a faith so ROBUST it WRESTLES WITH GOD.” {D.A. Carson}

Scene I – DAVID’s CRISIS Psalm 3:1-2

Psalm 2 – EXTERNAL ENEMIES Psalm 3 – INTERNAL ENEMIES

2 Large Issues that were crushing/burdening/perplexing David.

1) The REJECTION of MANY (v.1) 2) the RUMOUR that GOD had withdrawn (v.2)

The SELAH of TROUBLE The REST of DIFFICULTY

Take time to reflect on the reality of your personal/family situation

Scene II David’s CONFIDENCE Psalm 3:3-4

Declare your faith in GOD!

GOD is my SHIELD – He Protects me GOD is my GLORIOUS HEAD-LIFTER – He Restores Perspective The issue is “How well do you know your God?”

The SELAH of TRUST

The REST of DILIGENTLY TURNING TO GOD Take time to renew your relationship with GOD

Scene III David’s COMFORT Psalm 3:5-8

God’s gifts of

SLEEP SUSTENANCE SALVATION

The SELAH of TRIUMPH The REST of TAKING INVENTORY WITH GOD

Take time to reflect on the blessings of GOD in your trials!

“God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty.” Peter Marshall Make use today of the SELAH moments God is allowing in your life!

TRIAL – TRUST - TRIUMPH