"Salvation belongs to the Lord"

Psalms 3 read as follows, 

“O Lord, how many are my foes!
    Many are rising against me;
² many are saying of my soul,
    “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah

David is writing about physical enemies of the people of God whose dogged opposition has been used by the adversary to whisper to David’s soul, “There is no salvation in God.” In short, causing David to question God’s credibility, love, maybe even existence. 

So here’s the question, What “foes” are causing your soul to doubt God’s deliverance?

Man, in times like these this can be so relevant – but it is always true. What situations, past or present sins, troubling thoughts or even active relationships are the adversary using to whisper his lies to your soul? 

Many times, for me, it is my own failures. My relentless mistakes often cause me to wonder if God can save me or if He even wants to – if God can use me or if He wants to. For me, it is also often my successes. When I perceive myself successful, I often find more confidence in myself than Christ. But you see in these moments I am looking to myself as the source of salvation rather than God!  

In vs 3 David offers us 3 ways to guard against his:

³ But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,

What is your defense mechanism? I knew a man once who was a liar. He lied about everything all of the time. His lies were usually designed to protect and elevate himself. Now, please don’t read this in judgement. I harbor(ed) no ill will toward him, it was simply true. Upon further observation it was discovered that this was his defense mechanism. He had had a horrendous childhood and the only why he could find to survive (both physically and emotionally) was to lie. There was safety in this for him. What is your defense? I like to eat, I like to shop online, I like to watch movies. Some people go to gossip, to alcohol, to work, the pornography. 

Part of battling this lie is to regularly and with abandon trust God as your defense. He has already overcome the world, already saved you. 

    my glory, 

What is your “glory”? Is it achievement? Is it physical appearance? Other people’s perception? For me, many times it is preaching. Instead of finding my identity in Christ I found it in my vocation. Sometimes I use my kids as my glory. Sometimes I find a little too much strength in social media likes. Part of battling the lies of the enemy is choosing to find your “glory”, your self-worth, your purpose, in the Lord. (PERIOD)

and the lifter of my head.

Our family loves America’s Funniest Home videos. We watch a montage a day – that is good for anyone. The other day we saw one where some rather cruel friends gave their buddy a fake lottery card. You should have seen him when he thought he had won $10,000 – you should have seen him when he found out it was a fake! I got good news and bad news. The bad news is – all worldly victories, riches, successes are fakes – or at least very temporary, imitations. The good news is – the victory of the resurrection – the triumph of Jesus over sin and death is greater than you realize. Don’t let the things of the world lift your head – allow God to do it – particularly with the Gospel every day!  

During this time and throughout the rest of your life the adversary will use anything to cause you to doubt that God is your only salvation. Use the Lord as your shield, the Lord as your glory, and the Lord as the “lifter of your head”!!! 

⁴ I cried aloud to the Lord,
    and He answered me from His holy hill. Selah

⁵ I lay down and slept;
    I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.
⁶ I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
    who have set themselves against me all around.

⁷ Arise, O Lord!
    Save me, O my God!
For You strike all my enemies on the cheek;
    You break the teeth of the wicked.

⁸ Salvation belongs to the Lord;
    Your blessing be on Your people! Selah