Central Truth

Like our brother David, we live in a fallen, evil-infested world. It is enemy territory. This psalm reminds us of David's need, and our need. It reminds us that we can go to battle standing just behind our Lord, our shield. We're reminded of the wonderful and powerful God that we serve.

Reflections

One thousand years before Christ came in human flesh, our brother David lived in "interesting times." As a man after God's own heart, he was shielded from calamity after calamity by God.

David wrote Psalm 18 to credit God for all the rescues, near misses, and victories that David had gotten credit for, as in "David killed his ten-thousands." David knew he was under the Lord God's constant protection during:

· his confrontation with Goliath;

· seven-plus years of escaping Saul; and

· numerous amazing victories (with the help of his 30 mighty men -another gift from his Lord).

In Psalm 18 David tells how God shielded him from Saul and Goliath, and how God was his portable fortress as David careened across the countryside fleeing Saul's elite warriors. David recalls the mountainous places - cliffs, caves, and narrow passes that were his refuge for so many years. Always the Lord rescued him from ambush or starvation. I suggest a "then and now" perspective of Psalm 18.

God intended for us to "get" at least one "then" perspective: That almost any worldly, "life and death" danger you can imagine, David had been up to his neck in it. And David's Lord led him through it. Listen to David's words: "strength," "rock," "fortress," "deliverer," "refuge," "shield," "horn of my salvation," "stronghold," ''hind's feet," "And sets me upon my high places."

Here is my "now" perspective 3,000 years later. This fallen world seems at least as dangerous now as it was then. It's more crowded, and the angels and humans that serve the evil one are more desperate (their time is running out). Occasionally, they are more clever. You and I rarely serve Him with shield and sword, but we still desperately require His shield, His fortress, His solid rocks and refuges. We need His nimble feet, like a deer, and especially His salvation. We can celebrate with David as God protects us, His church, and as He did our brother. Continue to ask for God's protection, remembering that "it isn't over till it's over" and so the enemy will not stop until "its over".

Discussion Questions

1. Compare our times to David's.
2. How can we do a better job of depending on the amazing strength that God provides?
3. Since we don't fight with sword and shield, think of the modern equivalent that fits your Christian walk:
   
   • What are your weapons?
   • What do your battles look like?