As For God ...

His Word: As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.     Psalm 18:30

Observation & Obedience: David sang to the Lord the words of this song (Psalm 18) when God had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. Regardless of the danger and situation David found himself in, he continued to believe and proclaim that God’s ways and words were perfect and flawless.

Can we say and do the same when we are being pursued emotionally, psychologically and/or physically by an enemy who wants to destroy us? Do we look to ourselves or others to be the refuge and strength we desperately need? How was David able to boldly ask: For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? (v.31)  

David’s strong faith came from his past experiences with God.  “As for his God….”, David knew that what God said in his Word he would do. The promises made would be kept. The protection needed would be provided. The strength desired would be supplied. The security sought after would be found.

David understood there was no one who could even begin to compare to God and referred to him as his Rock! He knew it was not his own strength that allowed him to defeat his most fiercest enemy; It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure (v.32).

When David was on the run from Saul and his army, he found himself having to physically navigate treacherous mountain terrain to find caves to hide in. He needed to have firm footing and a safe path; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. You provide a broad path for my feet (vs. 33, 36a).

God didn’t just strike down David’s adversaries, although he could have. Instead he prepared and equipped him with the skills and strengths he needed to be victorious in battle. The years he spent as a shepherd prepared him for what he would face in the future. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze (v.34).

You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me; your help has made me great (v.35). David acknowledged what and who had made him great; not himself, but his God. David praised God for delivering him from his enemies, especially King Saul.  Never once did he take credit for something God had done.

Are you running scared and in hiding from your (physical, emotional, spiritual) enemies? Are you depending on your own strength and strategy to defeat them? Are you finding your feet slipping because you’re attempting to make your own way of escape? Like David, perhaps you need to stop and recall your past experiences with God.

Prayer: Think about a time when God’s way ended up being far better than what you had planned? What promise from God do you cling to for strength and security? Whose path are you following and where is it taking you? What experiences have you had in your past that prepared you for where you are and what you’re encountering today?  Use these answers to sing your own praise back to God. You may be in the middle of your battle, but God has not abandoned you. His ways and his Word stands firm forever and he waits for you to seek refuge in him and be able to proclaim, like David, The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! (v.46).

Encouragement: Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable and receives the impossible.   Corrie ten Boom