Chapter Summary

A prayer of David (when he fled from Absalom).

Discussion Questions for Psalms, Chapter 3

1. This psalm was written by David at a time when he was fleeing for his life from his own son, Absalom. Though many of us may not face this particular despair, how might this psalm be applied to current-day circumstances?
2. David was taunted by pursuers who claimed "there is no salvation for him in God" (ESV). Was this taunt true? How does the world today attempt to discourage us through lies and deceit?
3. The "but" in verse 3 marks a shift in focus from the outside world to God. What are the specific characteristics of God which David lists? How do they serve as an encouragement for a suffering Christian?
4. Often times the way the Lord acts as a "shield" around us does not mean he protects us from all suffering. (ESV) What other ways might the Lord as a shield serve as hope for Christians being persecuted?
5. What happened when David cried out to God in verse 4? What assurance might this bring to us today? What is a recent time that you have "cried aloud" to God, and he has answered you? (ESV)
6. Verse 5 implies that God sustains even the necessary body functions for life. Do we live as if this is true, or do we allow arrogance or worry to overshadow this truth? How might regularly reflecting on this change the way we live our lives?
7. In the midst of great suffering, David was able to lie down and rest. How does our understanding of who God is enable us to rest in the most challenging of circumstances?
8. In verse 6, David makes a conscious decision to trust in the strength of God instead of the strength of man. How would doing this in our own lives help us to conquer a fear of man?
9. David is not shy in calling upon the Lord to save him from his circumstances, for he believes that God is sovereign. Do we pray as if we know God has the power to do what we ask? Why or why not?
10. Had David's circumstances changed by the end of this psalm? What had changed, and how did this create such a great contrast between the despair verse 1 and the hope in verse 8?

Key Words/Phrase

Sustained, v. 5.

Characters

God, David.

Strong Verse(s)

3, 5, 6.