“I love you, O Lord, my strength.
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.
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.
The cords of death encompassed me;
the torrents of destruction assailed me…
In my distress I called upon the Lord…
and my cry to him reached his ears.
Then the earth reeled and rocked;
the foundations of the mountains trembled…
Smoke went up from his nostrils,
and devouring fire from his mouth…
He bowed the heavens and came down;
thick darkness was under his feet.
He… flew… swiftly on the wings of the wind.
Out of the brightness before him
hailstones and coals of fire broke through his clouds…
He sent from on high..;
he drew me out of many waters.
He rescued me from my strong enemy
and from those who hated me,
for they were too mighty for me.
The… Lord was my support.
He brought me out into a broad place;
he rescued me, because he delighted in me…
It is you who light my lamp;
the Lord my God lightens my darkness…
He is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.
For who is God, but the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?..
You have given me the shield of your salvation,
your right hand supported me,
and your gentleness made me great.
For this I will praise you, O Lord.” Psalm 18:1-4,6-10,12,16-19,28,30-31,35,49a
After threats and violent pursuit, David had once again escaped Saul’s wicked intention and an onslaught from the Philistines. Tied so intimately with his Lord, he did not gloat, nor pompously boast his victory, but burst forth with praise to the only One who deserved it. All, every inch and idea and ounce of deliverance, was from Him. (1 Samuel 24; 26; 2 Samuel 21:15-22; 22:1-20)
As astounded as we are at God’s personal, powerful involvement in and rescue of his life, we should be more-so that this is how the Lord cares and intercedes for all of His own. Even for me. I was weak, ungodly, dead in sin, a child of wrath, and God in rich mercy died to save me! Hallelujah! (Romans 5:6-8; Ephesians 2:1-6)
All this Christ has done for me; my sole proper response is praise. Praise Him for His love that breaks through enemy lines, that pursues and enfolds and rescues forever. Praise Him for power that vanquishes the enemy, and glory that shines far brighter than any worldly treasure. When and where do I voice and sing praise to my King? How is my love and gratitude reflected in my attitudes and demeanor?
I must also respond by exhibiting and expressing His lavish grace and love to others. Where is He leading me to go out of my way to minister help, compassion, even rescue to one needy, lost, or enslaved? How can I most effectively spread the light of His gospel? (Mark 16:15-16; Colossians 3:12-13)
Who am I, Lord, that You would ride the heavens to my eternal help? Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all. Help me give all this for You. (Deuteronomy 33:26-27; Psalm 8:4-5; Horatio Spafford)
As the rain and snow 