Challenge of Engaging Men's Ministry Bible Study

Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. Psalm 3

The Psalm’s are a pattern of prayer that teaches us how to speak to God. David begins confessing his great concern. Many are his foes, many are rising up, and many are claiming God has forsaken him. How quickly this man after God’s own heart shifts his focus from his fear to his God. God is his shield! Prayer should address our emotion, but it must not stay there.

We’ve lost something as a modern reader of an ancient text. How many men in our day take up a shield on any given day? You don’t take up a such a barrier unless you are expecting a battle. Notice how David calls God his shield. He doesn’t say God keeps me from every battle, but he acknowledges that during the struggle, God is his protector. As you pray during tense times, follow David’s model. Amidst the battle of life, call on God as your shield.

DO THIS TODAY: When you fear, pray like David.