BRBC Bible Notes

Week by week, we post notes based on the theme of the Sunday service, so that people can follow them in their own personal devotions, in prayer triplets, or in the church life groups.

BRBC Bible Study Series – Psalms

BRBC Bible Study Series – Psalms

Bible Study #2

Psalm 3: Praying Whilst Afraid

Main Passage

Psalm 3

Purpose of the Study

To explore how David prays when surrounded by fear, opposition and apparent danger. Psalm 3 teaches us that faith does not mean pretending we are not afraid; it means bringing our fear honestly to God and learning to trust Him in the midst of it.

Opening Prayer

“Lord, when we are afraid, teach us to turn towards You rather than away from You. Help us to know that You are our shield, our glory and the One who sustains us. Amen.”

1. Read the Passage

Read Psalm 3 slowly.

Notice:

· David's enemies.

· His honest description of his fear.

· His declaration of God's protection.

· The movement from distress to trust.

· The final request for God's salvation.

Questions

· What is David afraid of?

· Does David hide his fear from God?

· What changes as the Psalm progresses?

· Which verse would you most naturally pray in a time of fear?

2. Context and Summary

The heading connects Psalm 3 with David's flight from his son Absalom. David is surrounded by enemies and experiencing an intensely personal crisis.

Yet the Psalm is not simply a record of fear. It is a prayer journey:

Trouble → Prayer → Trust → Rest → Confidence.

David begins by describing the growing number of his enemies. Others even say that God will not save him.

But David responds:

"But you, Lord, are a shield around me."

Fear has not disappeared, but David's understanding of God has become greater than his fear.

OT Connections

· Psalm 27:1-3 – "The Lord is my light and my salvation."

· Psalm 46:1-3 – God our refuge and strength.

· Psalm 56:3-4 – "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."

· Isaiah 41:10 – Do not fear, for God is with you.

· 1 Samuel 30 – David strengthens himself in the Lord.

NT Connections

· Matthew 8:23-27 – Jesus calms the storm.

· Matthew 14:22-33 – Jesus meets the disciples in their fear.

· John 14:27 – Christ's peace.

· Philippians 4:6-7 – Prayer replacing anxiety with God's peace.

· 2 Timothy 1:7 – God gives a spirit of power, love and self-discipline.

Questions

· What fears do people commonly carry?

· What makes a ‘fear’ healthy and helpful or debilitating and harmful?

· How do fears shape the way in which we live?

· Why is it sometimes difficult to bring fear honestly to God?

· How does knowing God's character change the way we face fear?

· What difference does prayer make even when circumstances do not immediately change?

3. Key Themes and Reflections

Faith Does Not Deny Fear

David does not say, "There is nothing to fear."

He says, in effect, "There is much to fear—but God is greater."

Martin Luther wrote:

"Pray, and let God worry."

Prayer transfers the burden from our shoulders into God's hands.

God Is Our Shield

David calls God "a shield around me". His confidence rests not in his own strength but in God's protection.

This does not promise that believers will never suffer. Rather, it assures us that God remains present and sovereign even in suffering.

David Can Sleep

One of the most remarkable statements comes in verse 5:

"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me."

Fear had not necessarily disappeared, but David could rest because he trusted the One who watched over him.

Questions

· What keeps you awake at night?

· What would it mean to place that fear deliberately into God's hands?

· Have you experienced God's sustaining presence during a difficult season?

· How can we help fearful people experience the peace of Christ?

4. A Word to the Church

For BRBC

· Is BRBC a place where people can honestly admit their fears? If so, how? If not, why?

· Are there collective fears that we have a church that are restricting or preventing health and growth?

· Do we pray for one another when people are anxious or afraid?

· Are we known for bringing fear to God rather than spreading fear among ourselves?

Challenge

The church should be a community where fear is met with prayer, presence and hope.

Questions

· How can we support people experiencing fear, anxiety or crisis?

· What fears might our community be carrying?

· How can BRBC demonstrate the peace of Christ in Horsham?

5. Practical Action

· Name one fear honestly before God.

· Pray Psalm 3 slowly each morning.

· Contact someone who may be facing a difficult situation.

· Replace one anxious thought with a specific prayer.

· Before going to sleep, consciously entrust tomorrow to God.

Areas for Prayer

• Individuals facing fear or uncertainty.

• Families under pressure.

• People experiencing war and persecution.

• Those facing illness, bereavement or financial difficulty.

• Peace and confidence within BRBC.

• BRBC’s future ministry and mission and the calling and equipping of leaders who have a healthy fear of God.

Closing Scripture Meditation

Psalm 3:3

"But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high."

Final Prayer

“Lord, You know our fears before we speak them. Teach us to bring them honestly to You. Be our shield, our glory and the One who lifts our heads. Help us sleep in peace because we know You sustain us. Amen.”

For a printable version of this, and previous editions, please click here.

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