Psalm 3 anticipates, doubtless, Messiah in association with the godly remnant of Israel, suffering under oppression and violence, in the last days. They are looked at as having common interests and opposed by the ungodly, but, while trouble multiplies, trust is in Jehovah and deliverance is found. "Salvation is of (more correctly, "from") the Lord."

But it is sometimes helpful to consider some of the Davidic psalms in their natural setting, and notice the circumstances under which they were written. In this we are often helped by consideration of the titles. The occasion which led David to write this psalm we read was "When he fled from Absalom, his son." 2 Sam. IS records this sorrowful story. David, the King, had gratified his heart's desire and brought back his son in unrighteousness. From the moment Absalom returned to Jerusalem, he became a thorn in the side of David, and plotted to wrest the kingdom from his father. In 2 Sam. 15:6 we read that he succeeded in stealing the hearts of the men of Israel from the anointed King.

What a series of crises overwhelmed David at this time! What a bitter drop in his cup of sorrow must have been the treachery of his much loved son! Over the brook Kidron, with a few faithful followers, weeping as they went, passed the rejected King-the very spot the blessed feet of our beloved Lord trod, centuries later, with ' the little band of His disciples. The men of Israel had forsaken their King. David was told their hearts were after Absalom. But the cup of sorrow was not yet full. David ascended the mount of Olives "weeping as he went up." A messenger arrived with news of Ahithophel's treachery. David's bosom friend had joined the conspirators! Still more bitter was the thought, expressed perhaps in the cursing of Shimei, "There is no help for him in God" (Ps. 3:2). God has forsaken him!

Are there not moments in every life when circumstances seem combined against us-when "sorrows like sea-billows roll;" a crisis reached when there is no apparent way of escape, and the enemy would suggest to our hearts of unbelief, "There is no help in God?"

But while others might suggest that God had forsaken David, faith rose triumphantly above the suggestion of the enemy! David says (ver. 3):"But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of my head." And in the confidence that faith begets, he retired into the presence of God, and there breathed out in prayer his soul agony, and had the consciousness that he was heard:"He heard me out of His holy hill" (ver. 4). Having committed his cause to God, the heart of David rested in perfect peace. "I both laid me down and slept; I awaked:for the Lord sustained me." Thus it must ever be if, in child-like faith, we draw near to our God and Father. We are plainly told, "Be careful about nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the PEACE OF GOD, which surpasses every understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6, 7, New Trans.).

What a privilege is ours! What a blessed exchange! OUR CARES -HIS PEACE; that peace "which surpasses every understanding" garrisoning (taking possession of) our hearts and minds.

"'Mid conflict be Thy love our peace!
In weakness be Thy love our strength!
And when the storms of life shall cease,
And Thou to meet us comest at length,
O Jesus, then these hearts shall be
Forever satisfied with Thee."

With renewed strength David "mounts up with wings as eagles." In the confidence begotten in the presence of God, he comes forth unafraid. He had said (ver. 1):"How are they increased that trouble me." He now says (ver. 6), "I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that have set themselves against me." Blessed indeed to be able to say, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" To Paul the word was, "My strength is perfected in weakness." It is as we express our dependence and weakness in prayer and supplication, that we realize that God is for His people. The end of all God's ways with His saints we find in the last verse, "Salvation (deliverance) is from the Lord,'! and,'"Thy blessing is upon Thy people." ' '

Our blessed God and Father would teach us to look to Him alone in every circumstance. Deliverance is from Him only, and- whatever may be the exercises and trials. through which the saint may pass, His thoughts are always thoughts of blessing.

"Blessed thought, my Father careth,
Careth for His child;
Bids me nestle closer to Him,
When the storm beats wild.
Though my earthly hopes be shattered,
And the tear-drops fall,
Yet He is Himself my solace,
Yea, my all in all."

J. W. H. N.