This is from the third Psalm, with which we pray Matins prayer everyday and it is one of the Psalms that consoles the soul. It was written by David the prophet through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. He sang it while he was in difficult circumstances, when his son Absalom stirred up and rose against him to kill him and take the kingdom from him. However, David escaped from evil, and resorted to God in prayers, tears, and supplications, confident that Salvation is only in Him (2 Sam. 15-18). Here, we see the power of faith in God in such harsh situations.

Let’s meditate for a short while upon the words of this wonderful Psalm:

 + “LORD, why do those who afflict me multiply?  Many are those who rise up against me.”  This question reveals that David is going through a difficult hardship that surrounds him from all sides. But he takes no refuge except in God, complains to Him, and tries to understand from Him the meaning of what is happening to him. Like wise, when we are surrounded by the enemies from every direction, we take no refuge except in God, because we have no helper in our tribulations and hardships except Him. Therefore, we confidently pray that “Our God will fight for us” (Neh. 4:20) and that “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Consider

+ "Many are those who say to my soul, ‘there is no salvation for him in his God’ ”  These are voices of the non-believers who rely on the money, power, relationships, and the arm of man. They cast doubts on the love of God and His ability to intervene and change the course of things. As for us, the believers, we have no salvation except through our God. We are never shaken by the voices of those who cast doubts or those who scorn, but rather we are at peace because “the battle is the LORD’s” (1 Samuel 17:47) and He is able to protect His people who depend on Him.

+ “But you, O Lord, are my protector, my glory and the one who lifts up my head.” Thus we believe that God is our strength and our victory, He protects us and shields us.  He does not allow the rod of the sinners to rest upon the inheritance of the righteous. He is the glory in which we are proud, He supports us and gives us success in all our endeavors.  No matter how ferocious the enemy might be, who wants to break and humiliate us, God protects us and lifts up our heads with glory and dignity.  This is what church asks from God, for the entire congregation, during the final blessings of all liturgical prayers, where the priest says:  “Exalt the horn of the Christians through the power of the life-giving cross. Keep them in the Orthodox faith in glory and honor all the days of their lives.”

  + "I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His Holy hill.”  This verse reveals to us a remarkable trust in that God hears and responds, especially if the supplication is made in His house and before His Holy sanctuary.  Even if His response is not visible at the present time, we trust that the Lord heard our cries and had responded, and His response will be revealed in a time that He sees fit.

+ "I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me.”  The Church considers this verse as a prophecy about Christ's death, resurrection, and His victory over death. This verse also confirms that the end will be joyful for the children of God. Even if they had to pass through dark periods, the light will dawn, and the Lord will reveal in us His power and glory.

+ "I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who set themselves against me all around.”   No matter what the number of the multitudes gathering against us might be, we are never afraid at all, but rather sing with David the prophet, saying: “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me.”  (Psalm 23: 4).

+ “Arise, O LORD; Save me, O my God! For You struck all those who were foolishly at enmity with me; You broke the teeth of the sinners.”  Here, the Psalmist asked God to reveal his power, for He is indeed our Savior and Redeemer from all tribulations.  As for the teeth of the sinners that desire to tear us apart, He is capable of completely smashing them regardless of how hard they are.

“Salvation belongs to the Lord, and His Blessing is Upon His People.”  A magnificent ending to a psalm in which our teacher David the Prophet confirms his trust in the ability of the Lord to save him.  He took refuge in Him and did not think at all in returning evil with evil. For that reason, God is always committed to give salvation to his people. Moreover, He overflows on them with His blessings and transforms all things for their own good.

Let this Psalm be one of the subjects of our daily praise and meditation so we always rejoice in the great salvation of the Lord and his abundant blessings upon us.