O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying to me, "There is no help for you in God."

But you, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy hill.

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me. I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.

Rise up, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.

Deliverance belongs to the LORD; may your blessing be on your people!

Psalm 3:1-8

David had danger all around him. He had the deep water experience of knowing how it felt to have the sharks all around him. He brought his fears to The LORD. He refused to listen to those who said The LORD would not help him. He learned to go to sleep, confident that nothing could touch him without The LORD's permission. David took refuge in God.

Father, give us confidence. Teach us to trust You as our shield and defender.

Safety is not the absence of danger,

but the presence of God.

Our Daily Bread - June 19, 2004