Attacks and Enemies

What do you do when you’re outnumbered and under attack? David’s enemies said even God couldn’t save him, yet he slept in peace—because the Lord was a shield around him.

“Many are my foes! … rising up against me … saying of my soul, ‘There is no salvation for him in God.’ Selah. But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head” (Psalm 3:1–3).

Some doubted that David could slay the giant, Goliath, and scoffed when he accepted this challenge. When he became leader of Israel’s armies, David’s opposition often was better equipped; at times, it appeared that victory was impossible and defeat inevitable. David even incurred the wrath of King Saul, who feared he would usurp his position of leadership.

David heard his adversaries saying he couldn’t possibly be delivered—that even God Himself could not save him. But during these times, David learned to depend on God. Though others might attack him, God was “a shield” around him. While others might seek to defeat him and make him feel discouraged and doubtful, God would lift his head, encourage him, and give him confidence.

David testified that when he cried out to the Lord, “he answered me from his holy hill” (v. 4). Suddenly, he was so calm that he could “lay down” and sleep, knowing that “the Lord sustained me” (v. 5). Though surrounded by powerful enemies, David was delivered from every fear.

These same principles are true for you. No matter what enemies you face, God is with you. Adversaries may seek to make you feel discouraged and defeated. But no matter your foes, you can depend on God. He is a shield around you. As you cry out to Him, He will renew you and give you His strength. He will remove your fears and give you His peace.

Reflection Question: Have you found peace and strength as you depend on God?

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Psalm 3 teach about facing enemies?

Written by David while surrounded by foes who doubted God could save him, Psalm 3 declares that the Lord is “a shield” around His people—the one who lifts our head and sustains us, so we can rest in peace even when outnumbered.

How did David find peace under attack?

David cried out to God and trusted Him for deliverance. Because he depended on the Lord as his shield, he could lie down and sleep, confident that God sustained him and removed his fear.