Sharper Iron — Time in the Psalms - Psalm 3: Salvation Belongs to the LORD

David cries out to the LORD for deliverance from his foes as he flees from Absalom. These foes argue theologically against David—how can God be David’s Savior if David is having to run away? David takes refuge in the LORD, who is present on His holy hill. The LORD’s presence gives protection to David and all the LORD’s people. Because salvation is the LORD’s, His people are assured of His blessing.

Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 3.

To learn more about St. Paul’s, visit stpaulscullman.com.

Join Sharper Iron this summer to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Together in faith, LCEF helps to start, sustain and strengthen LCMS ministries through financial and strategic partnerships. Visit lcef.org.

Psalm 3

Save Me, O My God

A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.

3 O Lord, how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;
²many are saying of my soul,
“There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah^[a]

³But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.
⁴I cried aloud to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah

⁵I lay down and slept;
I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.
⁶I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.

⁷Arise, O Lord!
Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.

⁸Salvation belongs to the Lord;
your blessing be on your people! Selah

Footnotes

Psalm 3:2 The meaning of the Hebrew word Selah, used frequently in the Psalms, is uncertain. It may be a musical or liturgical direction

Rev. Timothy Appel

Although a mathematics degree may not be incredibly helpful to (proudly born-and-raised Texan) Rev. Timothy Appel while hosting Sharper Iron, his love of CFW Walther and the season of Easter will come in handy. His Call is shepherding the flock at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, Illinois, and he’s also husband to wife Kristin and dad to their growing basketball team of children. When he’s not carrying out pastoral duties, you may find him reading “The Lord of the Rings,” snacking on Reese’s peanut butter cups, playing dominoes with his boys, or studying up on Texas history (including Sam Houston, of course).