Turning to God in Prayer
Psalm 3:4
I cried to the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.


I. THE PSALMIST'S EXULTATION. "But Thou, O Lord." The second part of the Psalm shows how David's sense of the Divine presence and protection impelled him to rejoice, as if he were delivered from trial, although not yet actually set free. No sooner does he complain to God than he begins to experience consolation, for never does anyone flee to the Saviour for refuge in vain. But to particularise: what kind of help does the Psalmist receive when he seeks Divine aid? He fled from Absalom defenceless, and God, like a shield, completely protects him: he was in disgrace, God becomes his glory; prostrate, and God lifts up his head. In a word, Jehovah supplements every deficiency. This is ever true. Dost thou desire wisdom? He will be thy wisdom. Glory? He will be thy glory. Riches He will be thy wealth. Yea, He Himself will be all that thou cravest. The sweet sense of Divine compassion cannot be repressed, but will find vent in confession. Thus God is glorified, and the consciousness of His favour is increased by the very act of acknowledgment.

II. METHOD OF GAINING DELIVERANCE. The Psalmist therefore unfolds the method which he, had adopted — turning to God in prayer — "I cried unto the Lord with my voice." For let no man think that God bestows His grace on those who do not seek it, or opens the heavenly door to those who do not knock, still less to those who despise and refuse His proffered mercy. In this way He disciplines our faith, although He never grants the least favour because there is anything meritorious in our prayers.

III. THE DIVINE RESPONSE. "And He heard me" — from the heavenly sanctuary, and also from the earthly tabernacle then radiant with the Divine presence. This is added so that all may know that God answers supplications, in harmony with His will, as quickly as we offer them, and thus causes success in prayer to stir us up to renewed petitions. The answer which was vouchsafed to David — God replying by deeds rather than by words — is specified at the end of the next verse, "the Lord sustained me." What he had stated before in several words, "Thou art a shield for me my glory, and the lifter up of my head," he afterwards expresses in a single phrase, "the Lord sustained me," thereby indicating his sense of Divine protection in the very midst of persecution.

(Robert Rollocks.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

WEB: I cry to Yahweh with my voice, and he answers me out of his holy hill. Selah.




Prayer Answered
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