Psalm 18 The Lord is for Us!

As I read this long song of celebration for victory over enemies, I could not help myself from looking for God's qualities that inspired David to write it. David, after a long time of persecution and unjust treatment by many, finally enjoys justice. His enemies have been taken care of in one way or another and David celebrates his victory with all his heart.

What is God for me in the midst of my battle? For David it was literal enemies, but for me, I know that I don't battle against flesh and blood but against the powers of darkness. In my battle of faith, how does the Lord show himself on my behalf? David calls the Lord "my strength." In the midst of battle when my strength seems to fail, God sustains me - he is my strength. It is important to note how personal David gets with God and this is how I should pursue him - as MY GOD! Sometimes I want to battle on my own strength and forget about the endless supply of strength I have in my God. "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."(Phil.4:13)

God is "my rock." Rock is a solid foundation that cannot be moved as opposed to sand that shifts very easily. God is the foundation of my life and nothing can move me from my stand to serve my God. Obedience to his commands places me on a solid foundation that no enemy of mine can move.

God is "my fortress." A fortress is a place of refuge from danger and distress. God serves as my refuge. In the battle of faith, God's presence is the place where I desire to be. In his presence there is cover from the dangers of the battle. An oasis for the soul to recover and replenish.

God is "my deliverer." When the enemy has an upper hand upon my life, the Lord comes through and delivers me from his hand. The implication here is to save or to rescue. It means my life is in danger and needs the intervention of someone to get me out because I can't do it on my own.

God is "my shield." In the heat of battle when the enemy is pursuing with arrow shots, the shield serves as protection against those shots. The shield functions by standing between the shot and the body and preventing any harm to the body. My God stands in the way of the shots of my enemy and prevents any harm to my soul.

God is "my salvation." Salvation also implies rescue. When my life is in danger, God is my salvation. But I can't forget that the salvation implied here is not just of my physical life. Actually, I may not be saved in this life from becoming a martyr, but it is the salvation of my soul. God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, Jesus Christ, so that all who believe in him shall be saved. I have eternal life through the salvation God has brought forth for me.

God is "my stronghold." A stronghold is a strategic place that has been fortified for battle. God is not only my refuge when I need to get away from battle for a breather, but he is in the midst of battle with me as I wage battle day by day against my foes.

Father, may I constantly seek you and rely on you in the midst of battle. When I feel faint, may I be reminded that you are there for me as my strength, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my shield, my salvation, and my stronghold. In you I find refuge! Amen.