This Christmas season I’ve decided to explore the book of Psalms. As I read, I hope to grasp a better understanding of God, His love, and that I will draw closer to Him.

Psalm 3 comes from a time when David was running for his life from his son Absolom.

Fear and anxiety are paralyzing emotions. They can grip your heart and and leave you naked, vulnerable, and utterly exposed.

I ran track and cross-country when I was younger. I recall being at a meet in Cedartown, GA. It was a very warm spring Saturday. I was running the two mile race. It was the only event I would be running that day. I recall being in the pack on one of the first few laps.

Racing through my mind was I’m not going to make it to the end of this race. I had sat out in the sun ALL day! I had let the elements of the day drain me so that at race time I didn’t have anything to give. on about the third lap I knew iwas not going to finish well. As I made my entry into the first turn I recall thinking I can fake an injury and get out of this race… Which means I will not have to face the humiliation of defeat… (I didn’t like to lose).

I stuck it out and finished the race. I didn’t do so good at the finish.

The moment I felt like there was no hope and that I should give up – something turned on inside of me. It’s strange and maybe you can relate to this voice that says, “Keep fighting and don’t give up!”

Instead of dwelling on the “thing” that the enemy uses to bring you down – dwell on the Son of God. Allow the thoughts to take you into His presence and tell Jesus what is on your heart. As you do, you will come to know God in much the same way as David. You will also be able to say,

“But you, GOD, shield me on all sides,
You ground my feet, you lift my head up high; With all my might I shout up to GOD, His answers thunder from the holy mountain.” (Psalm 3:3-4, The Message).

“Real help comes from GOD.
Your blessing clothes your people!” (Psalm 3:8, The Message).