relationships (Psalm 3:1-8) Maintain Focus

(Psalm 3:1-8)  Lord, how my enemies have increased!

     Many are rising up against me.
2   Many are saying of my soul,
    “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah 

3   But You, Lord, are a shield around me,
     My glory, and the One who lifts my head.
4   I was crying out to the Lord with my voice,
     And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah 
5   I lay down and slept;
     I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.
6   I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people 
     Who have set themselves against me all around.

7   Arise, Lord; save me, my God!
     For You have struck all my enemies on the cheek;
     You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.
8   Salvation belongs to the Lord;
     May Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah 

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

The definition of the word "Selah" isn't known, but some speculate that because David is writing songs to sing, this could be like the musical symbol of a rest note.  In other words, have a poignant pause right there, in order to mediate on what has just been said.  Let that thought sink in for a bit.  And here, we find three "selahs".  So what points are we to let sink in?  

First of all, we will experience struggles.  David could speak well on this as he had many enemies out to kill him.  As well, he had committed some very "serious" sins.  But David really loved the Lord, and humbly and persistently pursued Him.  So as a strong believer, a huge betrayal and insult would be when someone slanders, gossips, and accuses you of being so wicked, there's no way that you are saved, and your sins prove that you are worthless and beyond saving!  

For anyone to do or say such things, is to help do the work of Satan, who makes accusations against God's children, planting seeds of skepticism and doubt so they will walk away from the Lord.  But these tactics are only affective when we stop focusing on the Lord and what He has done in our lives, and instead, put the focus on ourselves and the world.  THEN - YES - things will look and feel very bleak and hopeless!  

So the second "selah" points out that we need to keep, or put our focus back on God and cry out to Him, because through Him all things are possible.  He died for ALL sins, for all people, for all time, and He is more than able to forgive, adopt us as His own, and then keep His children securely in His salvation for all eternity!

The final "selah" is for us to meditate on the Lord, and remember how He answers prayers!  Whether we are attacked physically, psychologically or emotionally... these will not be a threat to us when we are consistently seeking a close relationship with the Lord Jesus.  

When we maintain focus on the Lord Jesus, we will realize His power, faithfulness and love!  The Lord is our shield, Who protects!  The Lord is our glory, Who gives us confidence!  The Lord is our sustainer, Who gives us strength and guidance!  The Lord is our salvation, Who gives us assurance and peace!  And this is forever!!!  Selah!!!