First Baptist Church of New Holland PA

PSALM 3 – DAVID AND THE NEW NORMAL 

SCRIPTURE READING – 2 SAMUEL 15:10-16, 23, 30

We have a relatively new term floating around. It is the “New Normal”. Lexico defines the New Normal as “A previously unfamiliar or atypical situation that has become standard, usual, or expected.”

Because of the Corona Virus, people are talking about a “New Normal” for business, churches, schools, sports, dining, and large gatherings. One of the examples of this new normal is wearing facemasks in stores and other places.

The new normal may be a new term, but it is an old happening. Anytime there is a major event such as a war, a pandemic, a huge natural disaster, or a major financial crisis, a new normal takes place. Things have to be done differently. Sometimes the old normal will return, sometimes, it never does.

As our Scripture Reading showed us, David’s son, Absalom, staged a revolt against His Father David. That caused David to flee for his life along with many loyal followers. It caused David to live in a new normal situation.

How did David handle this catastrophe? Psalm 3 shows that he handled his by relying on God as his personal burden bearer. David models four things for us to do as we turn to God as our own personal burden bearer during our “New Normal” caused by the Corona Virus.

Intro at top explains the situation.

BRING YOUR PROBLEMS TO GOD – Vss. 1-2

• David is in trouble. This is an emergency prayer. He does not stop to praise as he usually does, but he is crying for help.
• Due to the actions for his own son, almost everyone was against him, including his trust counselor, Ahithophel. 2 Samuel 16:23
• David was written off by many as without hope and God-forsaken. Shimei 2 Samuel 16:6-12
• When we face a new normal, we can come and pour out our fears and frustrations to God.

ACCEPT GOD’S PROTECTION – Vss. 3-4

• If God is my shield, who is absorbing the blows intended for me.
• If God is my glory, all my praise and purpose for living are centered in him.
• If God lifts up my head, He’s honoring me, when others are condemning me. In the end, God wins!
• Vs. 4 – Confidence in prayer is important. John 14:13-14, 21

EXPERIENCE GOD’S PEACE – Vss. 5-6

TRUST GOD’S POWER – Vss. 7-8

1. Power to Defeat – Philippians 4:13
2. Power to Save – Ephesians 2:8-9
3. Power to Bless – Numbers 6:22-27