In 1927 a submarine of the Navy was accidentally rammed by a Coast Guard destroyer, and quickly sunk. Heroic efforts were made to rescue six known survivors trapped in the forward torpedo room, who had exchanged a series of signals with the rescue force, by tapping on the hull. As the trapped men used the last of available oxygen in the sub, they sent a Morse-coded message….”Is there any hope?”
How many times in our lives have we asked that very question? “Is there any hope?” In writing Psalm 3, David faces this same situation. David’s enemies increasing and rising up against him. His son Absalom was attempting to seize his throne, and David was forced to leave Jerusalem and flee across the Jordan river. David didn’t know who was with him and who was against him. Many believed his reign was over and that not even God could help him. Exhausted and worn out, David asked himself….”Is there any hope?”
Yet instead of falling into despair, David put his full trust in the Lord proclaiming, “But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.” Even at his lowest, David knew that the Lord would protect and keep him, and give him the courage to face his enemies. For the battle wasn’t David’s but God’s, and only through Him would victory come.
This Psalm gave me a much needed reminder of the importance of trusting God and leaning on His strength. My heart is broken with all of the sickness, death, violence, hate, and persecution happening around the world. But I can choose to let fear and pain paralyze me, or I can let go and give it to God, remembering that all things are in His control. For nothing, absolutely nothing has any power over the Lord.
Absalom’s armies were swept from the field as God fought for David, and He fights for us as well. His might and strength are awesome and we know that He cares about the troubles of those who love Him.
So when the question is asked….”Is there any hope?”, we as Christians can give a resounding yes! Though evil surrounds us, it will not prevail. And as David says in verse 6, “I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me…“. For our trust is in God not man, and He who gave us life will also give us rest.