by Dina Gonsar

Recent events have no doubt overwhelmed us with many feelings. Feelings of grief, anger, frustration, fear, and general overwhelm. It may even seem like our world is falling apart, with one tragic event rolling in on the heels of another. We may be starting to feel ourselves start to lose sight of how Great our God is along with questioning his sovereignty and control. It is a very unsettling place to be.

In Psalm 3 we see King David in a place such as this. David had been revered as one of the most powerful kings the world at the time. We all know he started as shepherd boy, showing tremendous obedience to God, which resulted in defeating Goliath He was a successful military leader who expanded Israel’s borders. He had many military triumphs through his obedience to the Lord.  However, he sinned with Bathsheba, and arranged for her husband killed on the front lines of battle. Although he repented, his actions set off a series of unfortunate events. There was extreme discord within his family, and now his son Absalom was leading a strong revolt against him. This prompted David to flee into the wilderness for safety. David’s world was starting to unravel even further. Those who he thought were his allies were turning into enemies. It seemed all he had worked for was becoming lost. He had failed as a father and was losing his status.

Sometimes it may feel as if life is unraveling. Like a thread on a sweater that keeps pulling little by little. Soon there is a large hole and it seems to be beyond repair. Situations in our life can chip away at our spirit little by little. Until one day we turn around and it we sense a whole piece of ourselves lost or missing.  Maybe it is one traumatic event after another that has you reeling.  Perhaps, it is one wrong decision or act of disobedience seems to set off a chain of events. What are we to do when we start stumbling down the rocky road that is caused by sin? When we get tangled up in a news cycle?

Maybe we are not going to sit down and write a Psalm like David. However, we are going to get on our knees and pray. Calling out to the Lord, and stating our case. In the first two verses David lays out his fears:

Lord, how many are my foes!
    How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me,
    “God will not deliver him.

Psalm 3:1-2

The next verse starts out with a very basic phrase, however it is so powerful. He says “BUT YOU, LORD.” Automatically David shifts his posture from fear and worry to recalling the power and control that the Almighty God has.

But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
    my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
⁴ I call out to the Lord,
    and he answers me from his holy mountain.

Psalm 3:3-4

David chooses to remember the promises of God. He remembers the many times before God had delivered and sustained him. He is confident as he calls on the Lord to fight on his behalf. How wonderful to be able to look at situations in life and know God is fighting alongside you. You are not alone in whatever battle you are facing.

Arise, Lord!
    Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
    break the teeth of the wicked.

Psalm 3:7

We have to be intentional in our recall with God. In times of fear, panic, and falling apart, remembering the times he has held us together. Knowing he will do it once more. When the emotions of a situation threaten to overtake us, it then that is time for us to say, “BUT YOU, LORD.”

Dina Gonsar is the writer and creator behind the popular DishItGirl.com. Dina has shared her recipes and love for family dinner across numerous media outlets both local and national. She is an award-winning home cook that has a heart for encouraging her community both in and out of the kitchen. Dina has a heart for encouraging those right where they are at, especially when it involves the kitchen table. When she isn’t dishing it up on television you can find her in the kitchen with her daughter Siena and her husband Brian in New Jersey.