Victory Comes From the Lord 1/24/2023

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by Robin MacKinley

Have had days when it seemed like nothing went your way and everyone was against you? When those days happen, do as David did, trust in the Lord for your victory.

But you, O LORD, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. Psalms 3:3 

 David wrote this third Psalm regarding the time he fled from his son, Absalom. Behind David’s back, Absalom decided to overthrow his father’s throne.

As his son began to close in on Jerusalem, David fled from the palace. That day, things were not going well for David at all. 

For that reason, the king began this Psalm by crying out to the Lord. 

O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. So many are saying, “God will never rescue him!” Psalm 3:1-2 

Then in the midst of one of those days a little voice in your mind whispers (or maybe shouts) something in your ear. Something that adds even more to your stress. 

It suggests the worst possible scenario. You wonder where was God in all this. Then you’re lambasted by the following thoughts;

“God doesn’t care about you.” “You brought this all on yourself.” “It’s all your fault.” At that point, you could definitely relate to what David said.

He, however, never stayed in the “Oh me – Oh my” mode. He knew victory could only come from God. Therefore, he immediately turned to Him.

I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain. Interlude Psalm 3:4 

Selah, Pause, and Calmly Think of That 

Did you notice? David added an interesting word at the end of verses 2 and 4. The word is “Interlude”. Some versions use the word “Selah”. It’s a musical term that scholars believe refers to a pause or silence.

The king said to himself, “David, stop! and take a breath …” Then after getting his composure, he settled down and trusted the Lord for the victory. 

Lord, you are a shield around me; you are my glory, you are the one who holds my head high.” Psalm 3:3 

 David heard from the Lord in verse 4 and then paused again. He put his mind at ease and said;

I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side. Psalm 3:5-6

He was no longer concerned about what “so many” said about him. He no longer discouraged himself. Instead, he understood that his victory came from the Lord.

Our surroundings can sometimes overwhelm us and our adversaries seemingly overtake us. But to say “I’m giving it all to the Lord” is often easier said than done. 

Trust the Lord for the Victory 

Keep in mind that David started this conversation on a negative note. But he didn’t keep it there and neither should we. Twice he said, pause, and calmly think of that.

He reflected on the times the Lord gave him victory after victory. We must apply the same strategy too because the Lord wants you to have the victory also.

David ended this Psalm the same way we must allow every situation in our lives to end. When you read this verse take notice of his last word on this subject.

Victory comes from you, O Lord. May you bless your people. Interlude Psalm 3:6  

 Victory for us also comes from the Lord and we too, like David, can hold our heads up high!

So, before you face another problem or for that matter before you do another thing, look to the Lord. Then pause, and calmly think about this, God will give you the victory today!

About the Author: 

Pastor RobinRobin, with his wife Cindy, became children’s evangelists early in their ministry. They ministered to children full time for 8 years. During that time they developed several children’s stories which were told with visuals and puppets.

Robin recently turned two of those stories into children’s books. One is called “The Contest,” a book about the Fruit of the Spirit, and the other is called “Twas the Night of Christmas”.  He has also authored 5 volumes of devotional books called, 3 Minutes Alone with God. Each entry is a product of his personal biblical Journaling.

These and his other writings are available on his website called Christian Perspectives at www.ramckinley.com. When you visit this site, you can sign-up for newly written devotions as they come out which will be emailed to you.

Presently Robin is the pastor of Calvary Christian Center in Pottstown, PA. He is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He and his wife make their home in Birdsboro, Pa. He also serves as the president of the local ministerium. He and Cindy have two married sons and four grandchildren. 

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