Toyota’s red-colored FJ40 Land Cruiser defined my childhood car. My family frequently traveled in it; it belonged to my father. I loved it because of its robust construction, spaciousness, and impressive height. Furthermore, it perfectly embodied my dad’s determination—he believed in pursuing his ambitions with robust resolve.
Throughout my childhood I watched my dad as a man of resolve leaning on his own strength. But soon his dependence on his self-determination collapsed. When I turned 14, I witnessed the shattering of my dad’s dreams when he lost all his savings and retirement benefits due to misguided business decisions. He lamented for several days.
Similarly, David lamented before God when he fled from Absalom, his son who attacked the throne of his dad. He lamented for the increase of his opposition and the taunt of his enemies that his salvation from God would not come (Psalm 3:1-2).
But David swiftly changed his focus, transitioning from lamentation to steadfast resolve: “But you, Yahweh, are a shield around me, my glory and the one who lifts up my head” (Psalm 3:3, LEB). He trusted in the Lord’s ability to protect him like a shield—a weapon for protection—and safeguard him from all the assaults of his enemies. The Lord was his glory—the source of his honor—who would not let him be ashamed, and the lifter of his head, the one who would restore his kingdom with triumph and victory against his enemies.
One morning ushered in a new perspective, and my dad shifted the direction of his focus. He again sounded strong, but this time his resolve centered on God. He declared, “I want to pray—the Lord can change my situation,” and decided to dedicate a room in our three-bedroom house as a room for prayer. Dedicating a room, buying a carpet for it, and kneeling before the Lord in early mornings and late nights powerfully depicted his faith-based resolve to trust in the Lord for the future of his family.
The roots of David’s faith were anchored in his experiences with the Lord. With each crisis he encountered he always recounted the Lord’s faithfulness over time. “In my trouble I cried to the LORD, And he answered me” (Psalm 3:4, NASB). His faith in the Lord led him to develop unusual faith-based resolve.
“I am not afraid of the multitude of people who attack me from all directions” (Psalm 3:6, NET). He resolved to cast aside fear of his enemies, facing the military crisis with anticipation that the Lord would protect him and vanquish those who sought to blemish his name and reputation.
David's trust in the Lord helped transform his attitude and also energized his prayer life. He prayed victoriously, “Rise up, LORD! Deliver me, my God!” (Psalm 3:7a), rather than fearfully like Elijah once prayed, “I’ve had enough! Now, O Lord, take my life...” (1 Kings 19:4b).
Remember, it grieves God when we forget his prior blessings and fail to worship him (Numbers 14:11). But acknowledging the Lord’s faithfulness in our past demonstrates our worship, which pleases God. David says, “Praise the Lord, O my soul. Do not forget all his kind deeds” (Psalm 103:2). Set your eyes on the Lord and resolve to trust in him at all times.
Key verse: “I rested and slept; I awoke, for the Lord protects me. I am not afraid of the multitude of people who attack me from all directions.” (Psalm 3:5-6)
Prayer: Lord, please help me to recount your prior works in my life and develop faith-based resolve and respond to my crisis with faith and courage.