I Will Not Be Afraid (An article by Christian Henry)

SEPTEMBER 5, 2023

 “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.” (Psalm 3:5-6)

This psalm was penned by King David while fleeing from his son. The previous psalm written by David showed the royal dignity of the Redeemer, and now we are shown the peace and holy security of the redeemed through David’s trials. How safe God’s children are while under His divine protection!

David has now been ousted from his palace and forced on the run by his rebellious son, Absalom. In the psalm, he complains to God of his enemies (Vs. 1-2), confiding in and encouraging himself in his God (Vs. 3). He recollects the satisfaction he had in the gracious answers God gave to his prayers and his experience of goodness shown to him in the past (Vs. 4-5), as well as the triumphs over his fears gained through God (Vs. 6) and over enemies who he has prayed against (Vs. 7). The psalmist ends by giving God the glory and takes to himself the comfort of the divine blessing and salvation which are sure to all the people of God (Vs. 8). In short, David here speaks of the power and goodness of God, and of the safety and tranquility of the godly.

David is highly frustrated by his enemies at the time of the psalm. Of course, nothing would appear to be going right if he did look around. But, instead of choosing to dwell on the irritations, he decides to gain comfort by looking to God, as he often does in the Psalms. He looks back on the benefit he had derived from trusting in God. This serves as an excellent reminder for us believers that no matter the circumstances of our current situation, we should trust in God.

He looks back on his communion with God and the favor he has been shown with great comfort. David had encountered many difficulties, often brought very low, but he still found God all-sufficient. He now remembered this with pleasure.

Even when he encountered these trials, he had always been very safe under the divine protection, as is evident in the verses we’re considering today. Many lie down at night and toss and turn until morning due to anxiety about the future or things that happened that day. But believers lie down and sleep safely, even if we can’t do anything about these present circumstances ourselves. We can be content because we have the assurance of safety under His protection in the arms of His good providence. David’s spirit is under this incredible calmness amid dangers. By prayer, he has committed himself and his cause to God; he was sure of his protection and was at ease. Whatever he was facing, be it the treachery of his son, his friends, or the fatigue of being on the run, he was never deprived of even an hour’s sleep. By His grace and the consolations of His Spirit, the Lord powerfully sustained him. It is a great mercy when we are in trouble to have our minds fixed on God so as never to lie awake in fear – even if we should find ourselves encircled by ten thousand enemies who have set their hearts against us. We will not be afraid.