Knowing The Power of God's Strength
Psalm 18:1–3 (ESV) 1 I love you, O LORD, my strength. 2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
Psalm 18 was written after the death of Saul who had been chasing David for years seeking to kill him.
David knew God to be his strength, his rock, and his shield. But it took being put in the weakest of situations for very long periods of time to see it first hand. He was anointed king at 17. He wasn't King in reality until 33. He testifies that he knows God as his rock from the experiences of being at the gates of death.
But it was through the running and troubles, war and struggles of David's life where God's great preparation happened. He writes:
Psalm 18:32–34 (ESV) the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. 33 He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. 34 He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
David's preparation for Kingship began long before the world knew him as King of Israel. And by the time he got to the throne, all the events leading up to it made him fit to rule.
It has been said very well, "God is preparing you for what He has prepared for you." He is training you. You may be running from enemies, but your feet are getting faster. You may be fighting off a lot of enemies, but your arms are getting stronger. God has a preparation stage, don't discount it, neither despise it.
David rounds out the Psalm with assurance based on God's covenantal love for Him:
Psalm 18:49–50 (ESV) For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations, and sing to your name. 50 Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever.
Psalm 18 was written after the death of Saul who had been chasing David for years seeking to kill him.
David knew God to be his strength, his rock, and his shield. But it took being put in the weakest of situations for very long periods of time to see it first hand. He was anointed king at 17. He wasn't King in reality until 33. He testifies that he knows God as his rock from the experiences of being at the gates of death.
But it was through the running and troubles, war and struggles of David's life where God's great preparation happened. He writes:
Psalm 18:32–34 (ESV) the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. 33 He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. 34 He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
David's preparation for Kingship began long before the world knew him as King of Israel. And by the time he got to the throne, all the events leading up to it made him fit to rule.
It has been said very well, "God is preparing you for what He has prepared for you." He is training you. You may be running from enemies, but your feet are getting faster. You may be fighting off a lot of enemies, but your arms are getting stronger. God has a preparation stage, don't discount it, neither despise it.
David rounds out the Psalm with assurance based on God's covenantal love for Him:
Psalm 18:49–50 (ESV) For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations, and sing to your name. 50 Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever.
"Steadfast Love" is "chesed" in the Hebrew. It is loyal, covenantal love that God sheds upon His chosen instruments. It is the assurance of David, it is the assurance of those who love Christ.
You can be sure of a few things from this Psalm.
You only know God strength when life hands you times of great weakness.
You only grow stronger when you let God lead you through times of trouble.
You develop as the Lord's loyal love leads you on.
Amen.
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