I love you, LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
—Psalm 18:1-2
The inscription for Psalm 18 notes that David wrote it after the Lord had delivered him from all of his enemies. It is a song of joy and confidence at the deliverance that God had offered to His servant David. But it is a Psalm written after the fact. There are many times in this life when the words of Psalm 18 would be a great comfort to us while we are still yet in the conflict, the trial, or struggle.
The life of the Christian is one of daily bearing the cross. Even church workers experience conflict “at work.” The children of church leaders still become teenagers. The most physically fit among us also experience health problems. Whether the cross that we are bearing is a result of the fall or even our own sin and hard-heartedness, our Lord is there to rescue His children in need. Just like David, we are capable of great faith by the working of the Holy Spirit. But we also can turn away from God in the midst of the burdens of this life. That is why the Word of God is such a great source of comfort and strength for God’s people in every situation, but especially when struggling.
Psalm 18 is full of hope for the people of God. With David, we can declare that the Lord is our rock, fortress, deliverer, shield and stronghold. In verse 19, we find the encouraging words, “He rescued me because He delighted in me.” One of the best ways that Christians can begin their days is by reading the Psalms. If you are currently overwhelmed by the struggles of life, find comfort and strength in Psalm 18. The first time that you read the psalm, the struggles may not yet be past, but God promises that He is the one who will deliver and rescue you. May you find comfort and strength in His promises and His deliverance!
Prayer – Almighty and everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of the weak, may the prayers of those who in any tribulation or distress cry to You graciously come before You, so that in every situation they may recognize and receive Your gracious help, comfort and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan