Praying can lead the one praying into trust; prayer itself is an exploration of our faith in God. Psalm 3 is much along this line. John Goldingay (Psalms, Vol. 1: Psalms 1-41
) explores this in his commentary on Psalm 3 [text after the jump].
In the midst of despair and denunciation by one’s enemies, David tells God what he is hearing and then makes a rock-solid confession on the basis of what he has experienced with God’s protection: “But you, Lord, are a shield that protects me; you are my glory and the one who restores me [or, lifts up my head; cf. 27:6; 82:3; 110:7] .” God is shield from the enemies; God is the one who restores, or how lifts David’s head. David cries out to God, David experiences God’s protection, and David is not afraid of an army of enemies because he knows what God has done. God’s answer means David can sleep through the night. Not only can he sleep, he knows from experience that God protects from a large band of enemies.
So David concludes: God delivers; that means God will bless and make his people flourish. Perhaps the psalmist moves from people to individual: Because God blesses Israel, God will bless the psalmist.
3:1 Lord, how numerous are my enemies!
Many attack me.
3:2 Many say about me,
“God will not deliver him.” (Selah)
3:3 But you, Lord, are a shield that protects me;
you are my glory and the one who restores me.
3:4 To the Lord I cried out,
and he answered me from his holy hill. (Selah)
3:5 I rested and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord protects me.
3:6 I am not afraid of the multitude of people
who attack me from all directions.
3:7 Rise up, Lord!
Deliver me, my God!
Yes, you will strike all my enemies on the jaw;
you will break the teeth of the wicked.
3:8 The Lord delivers;
you show favor to your people. (Selah)
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