LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil

 Monday 15th June 2026

SURROUNDED BY ENEMIES

Scripture Reading: Psalm 3 

Lord, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me._ *Psalm 3:1

Today we’re going to look at David's first Psalm in the book of Psalms – Psalm 3. In all, 73 Psalms are credited to David. This Psalm is the first. 

It is a Psalm that David wrote during a very painful period in his life. His son Absalom had risen in rebellion against him. His trusted advisors had taken sides with Absalom. He had been publicly humiliated and thereafter, he run into exile. 

The Psalm begins with a lamentation from David. His lament captures the perplexing situation in which he found himself. David felt harassed by the many people and voices that had risen to oppose and ruin him. Note how he used the word ‘many’ and ‘increase’ to show the pervasive nature of the attacks against him. David was surrounded by so many people who were working against him. 

David’s troubles in this instance started with the conspiracy of his son, Absalom. Absalom was a very handsome and crafty young man who created disaffection against his father. He used his charm to sow seeds of discontent within the populace and win the people's hearts. He enlisted some of David’s most trusted men in this endeavour.  

In time, people who had harboured long-standing grudges with David came out to exact their vengeance against the king. Ahitophel was one of such defectors. He had served as one of David’s most senior advisors. Ahitophel’s defection deeply shook David. That is why David felt the presence of enemies wherever he turned. David saw his enemies and troubles growing by the day. 

In the process, Absalom’s rebellion forced David into exile and publicly humiliated him. Like David, we may also feel the presence of evil all around us. In the midst of all that is against us, God’s presence never leaves us. There’s no way your enemies can overwhelm God’s mercy towards you. 

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you are my defense. When wickedness arises against me, your Spirit lifts a standard on my behalf. In Jesus’ name, Amen.