My Psalm 3

by Rolaant L. McKenzie

O LORD, how my adversaries have increased!
    Many are rising up against me.

I am surrounded by enemies who seek to thwart and sabotage my work. They spend their time devising ways to remove me from my job and take it for themselves. They operate in the shadows and use others by proxy to do their wicked deeds.

Many are saying of my soul,
    "There is no deliverance for him in God." Selah.

They say to themselves that they rule the workplace and that I am alone, without allies, helpless. They set the dinner table in preparation for me being the main course.

But You, O LORD, are a shield about me,
    My glory, and the One who lifts my head.

When I become afraid, I remember that I am not in my job undergoing these circumstances by chance. The Lord is there in the midst of it all, providing a shield of protection from those who seek to do me harm.

I was crying to the LORD with my voice,
    And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah.

When I was in the utmost of my extremity because of my enemies, when they threatened to engulf me like a flood, I cried out to the Lord for help. I appealed to Him who holds the hearts of men in His hand and can turn them whichever way He wishes. He heard me from heaven and came to my aid.

I lay down and slept;
    I awoke, for the LORD sustains me.

Because the Lord is my help, my shield, my strength, I can sleep peacefully at night and not be afraid in the morning.

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
    Who have set themselves against me round about.

No matter how many of my enemies plot my hurt, or devise schemes to deprive me of my livelihood, I will not be afraid. My trust is in the Lord, not in my own strength to protect myself.

Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God!
    For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek;
        You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.

I know that the Lord sees my efforts to work well. He will vindicate me before my enemies at the proper time and in the proper way. He will save me from the snares of the wicked ones who seek my hurt without good cause.

Salvation belongs to the LORD;
    Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah.

It is the Sovereign Lord who is my salvation from my foes. He never sleeps; His eyes are ever watching those He loves. He is my strength and my Savior. My trust is completely in Him, for I know He works out all the circumstances of life for good to those who love Him. Praise the Lord for His marvelous grace in the loving watchcare of His people!