Caffeinated Crunchy Christian Moms

Read: Psalms 3–5

Remember that Psalms, in Hebrew, means songs. Psalms is the longest book in the Bible, consisting of 150 chapters, or psalms. Various authors contributed to it, including King David.

In Israel, the Psalms held immense significance in worship. They were hymns sung during services, prayers spoken aloud, and songs written from deep places of joy, sadness, and praise. So many ways and opportunities to build our relationship with God. The Psalms give us permission to come before God exactly as we are, allowing us to connect with Him on a deeply personal level.

Psalm 3 is a psalm of David written when he fled from his son Absalom. David was on the run because of a series of events that followed God’s discipline for David’s own sins. Even so, David still turned to the Lord for protection.

“But You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
— Psalm 3:3–4

The Lord is our shield, our protector. When my husband was deployed and placed in dangerous situations, I prayed constantly for a hedge of protection around him. God kept my husband safe. I go to bed at night praying that I wake up in the morning; and if I do, it’s because the Lord allows me to.

When I was younger, I used to pray:

“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep; and if I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.”

“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.” – Psalm 3:5

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
— Psalm 4:8

Psalm 4 is another psalm of David, written for the director of music, with stringed instruments. David seems to be asking God for mercy and relief. He then seems to be talking to others asking them how long they will seek false gods and live in delusion. David goes back to talking to God asking Him for joy and that the light of the Lord can shine through David.

“The Lord hears when I call to Him.” — Psalm 4:3

“…let the light of your face shine on us. Fill my heart with joy…” – Psalm 4:6-7

I have called out to God in both good times and bad. I rejoiced before the Lord when my babies were born. I cried out to God while battling my own demons, alone in the shower. I praised Him for His beauty and goodness at the top of Angel’s Landing. I cried out to God while driving when I found out that my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Through it all, the joy and the heartbreak, I do my best to seek God.

Recently, I added a prayer board in my kitchen. I’ve been intentional about writing out prayers and, when God answers, writing “ANSWERED” in colorful lettering over them. I’m also trying to pray in a way that allows God’s ultimate and divine plan to be carried out, not my own selfish desires.

Psalm 5 is a psalm of David, written for the director of music, for pipes. David continues to cry out to God. Then, as he continues, his words remind us that we can rejoice in the Lord as we are blessed.

“But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as with a shield.” — Psalm 5:11–12

God hears us. God protects us. God surrounds His people with favor and grace; not because we are perfect, but because we seek to know and be in relationship with Him.

Discussion Questions

1. How do the Psalms give you permission to be honest with God?
2. How can writing down prayers, and recognizing answered prayers, strengthen your faith?

A Note from the Author