By Millie Harris
As we consider the idea of finding peace in today’s culture, we are given pause by the conflict and betrayal that is everywhere around us in 21st century society. Many of us have a tendency (I know I do.) to feel that we live in unique times that are unlike any other. This feeling of isolation in time and newness of situations does not serve us well in any age. Our struggles, whether personal or societal, often lead us inward toward concern for self and earthly fixes for the betrayal all around us. Satan uses this life’s hardships to lead us away from God and toward self-pity and self-obsession. It is easy to fall into this human weakness when we have been mistreated or betrayed, so how do we escape these worldly pitfalls? God is our only hope!
Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I am endowed with the tools that I need to escape the darkness of this world and find peace when all around me is in chaos. How do the scriptures guide me toward this peace? Psalms 3 is a wonderful lesson in finding peace in a storm. This psalm is set against the backdrop of the betrayal of Absalom (II Samuel 15,16). In verses 1 and 2, David states his situation very clearly: “O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me.” This is David’s reality! It is not an imagined problem, as so many of mine can be. His son has rebelled against him. His life is in danger. Those around him believe he has no way out of this devastating situation.
However, in verses 3-6, David turns from his gut-wrenching plight to remind himself of what he believes. He BELIEVES and KNOWS that God is his shield, his glory, and the lifter of his head. It is interesting to note that God is his shield, not his weapon. God is his method of defense. The root word for shield is actually a verb in this verse. God is shielding him, and David is using God as his shield. Those who truly know God understand the power of the shield that God offers. Abraham is also given the promise of God as his shield in Gen 15:1. Though David and Abraham lived in very different times (from each other, and from me), they each found peace in tumult by trusting in God’s strength. With that in mind, how do I, in 2026, find real peace on this earth? I understand that I am not capable of finding my own peace and security. I only find those things when I turn everything over to God as these two men did. Jeremiah tells the men of Judah not to trust in their own might (9:23.24) but in the Lord Who is steadfast, just and righteous.
Why was David at peace? He could not protect himself, and he knew it! I know it too! Can any of us really protect ourselves from life’s trials? Can we escape betrayal and chaos? NO! Can we find peace amidst the trial? YES! David did! He cried to God, and God answered from His holy hill (Psalms 3)! God was his warrior, and he is mine (if I am willing). Moses says in his song, celebrating the power of God after the crossing of the Red Sea, that the Lord triumphed over Pharoah and his soldiers and threw them into the sea. Did Israel fight that battle? No! (Ex 15:1) David understood this completely in his lifetime as well. In verse 5, he says he laid down and slept. The Lord sustained him. Do I do that? Do I hand God my troubles and lay down and sleep, or do I worry and stew and try to figure out how to fix my troubles? God wants to shield me and fight my battles for me. However, I have to turn to scripture and renew my faith and look away from myself in order for Him to be my Savior. My past experiences of God’s care increase my faith that He can save me from this evil corrupt world and bless me in ways I can never dream. David knew God could save him. God had protected him from Goliath and Saul, and He could protect him again. Do I believe that too? If I do, I gain a peace that allows me to weather any storm and a courage that allows me to do things I never dreamed possible.
David’s faith carried him through his trials with peace in his heart. He did not focus on what was going on around him. He turned his attention toward the One Who forgave him (II Sam 12:13). God could take care of David’s enemies, and He can take care of my enemies in this generation too! The question is, what do I REALLY believe when life gets hard? Proverbs 30:5 assures me that God will protect me if I take refuge in Him. Arrogance and sin will dry me up from the inside out, but trust in the Lord offers me peace and refreshment (Prov 3:5-8). I am not special. I do not live in a unique situation. Men have been challenged by Satan and evil throughout history. Will I accept the peace that comes with God as my shield and warrior, or I am going to try to go to war for myself? The choice is mine!
David ends Psalms 3 with the statement “salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessing be on Your people.” What an avenue for peace in this wicked world! As John is transported to heaven, he sees the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David, the slain Lamb Who is worthy to open the scroll and worthy to be worshipped (Rev 5: 5,6). He went to war for us and defeated the enemy. He is able to shield us. The battle is won! What we do with that information is up to us, but true peace comes only through this realization. David understood who could save him. Do I? Paul tells the Philippians that the peace of God is beyond our understanding and will guard our hearts and minds (Phil 4:6,7). May we all lean on God to shield us from the enemy! “Salvation belongs to our God Who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Rev 7:10) Praise God!