By: Tim Woods, M.Min. | April 6, 2025
In Psalm 3, David is surrounded by those determined to destroy him. He is full of fear and despair because the leader of this enemy after him is his son, Absolom. He is surrounded by those who say that God will not deliver him from this situation and that his circumstances are hopeless.
David’s Prayer for Peace in Battle
David’s Prayer for a Shield
A shield protects a warrior from his enemies during battle. Through the power of prayer, David received peace through the protection of his Lord. Despite what he is facing, he finds hope and peace because the One he addresses is his shield and glory. He had cried out to God in similar situations, and his prayers were heard and answered. The peace and comfort that he received gave him the security to lie down and sleep because he knew the Lord was on his side. The confidence he received through the peace and protection of the Lord almighty gave him the ability to be fearless.
David’s Prayer for Divine Intervention
David recalls how God has delivered him from his enemies before and calls on God to arise and save him again. “Arise, O Lord; Save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly” (Psalm 3:7, NKJV) This verse paints the picture of a crushing blow inflicted on an enemy during combat. Whether it was a lion, Goliath, or King Saul, the Lord defeated every enemy David faced to the point they were speechless and could no longer cause or inflict harm.
David’s Prayer for Salvation
He concludes his prayer by proclaiming, “Salvation belongs to the Lord.” David gives the Lord all the credit for his delivery. But despite his trials, David asked God to bless the people of Israel. This shows that David followed God’s heart and revealed his shepherd’s heart.
Our Prayer for Peace in Battle
Our Prayer when Facing our Giants
Have you found yourself in a similar situation? Maybe it’s not a physical army or your own flesh and blood determined to kill you, but the trials you face seem significant. They have surrounded you from all sides, and the outlook seems hopeless. The troubles continue to increase and rise against you. Maybe those looking at your trials and afflictions tell you there is no hope even in God.
Regardless of the giants you face, when you belong to God, He will be your shield during those battles. Comfort and peace will be delivered to you when you allow God to control the circumstances you deem hopeless. David remained faithful and knew that God would keep His promises. God will watch over you, too. He will hear and answer your prayers and deliver you. Knowing that God is with us in the battle, we can claim victory over our enemies and trials through confidence. “Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle” (Psalm 144:1).
Our Prayers include Peace
The battles we face are not ours alone. Understanding this allows us to rest and find comfort, knowing God is fighting for us. “And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15).
Our Prayers include Steadfast Faith
Standing firm in faith and knowing that God will never forsake us allows us to establish a firm foundation during what may seem unstable or hopeless. We become fearless, knowing He will deliver us and fulfill His promises. Victory is not something we hope for, but it’s the confidence through Jesus Christ of a war already won.
Does a Contradiction Exist?
Some may ask if this prayer contradicts other verses within the Bible. “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
This may seem like a contradiction indeed. However, it is still in line. We continue to pray for those who persecute us. Through faith, we trust God’s power and plan. “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).
Conclusion
Refusing to take vengeance and handing it over to God allows us peace during the battle. It takes away the back-and-forth cycle of vindictive violence. God does care about justice and will punish those who are wicked and afflicting pain and discord. Giving it to God and allowing Him to silence our ungodly enemies will enable us to release any hate or malice, giving God full control of vengeance according to His plan and timing. Once you have released the responsibility of vengeance to God, we can truly pray, love, and bless those who continue to harm.
Let God handle your battles and allow Him to break the teeth of the ungodly according to His will and plan. Only then will the peace of a loving God comfort you and give you rest during your battle.
About the Author
Tim Woods, M.Min.
Tim Woods lives in West Frankfort, Illinois, where he serves as Director of Student Ministries at First Christian Church and Jr. High/High School Teacher and Chaplain for New Covenant Christian School. Tim earned his B.Min. in Discipleship and M.Min. in Biblical Studies from Veritas Theological Seminary and is currently working toward a D.Min. He is the author of the forthcoming (2025) book, Battle for Souls (Illative House Press).
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