Psalm 18:1-24

18:1
For the music director; by the Lord’s servant David, who sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord rescued him from the power of all his enemies, including Saul. He said: “I love you, Lord, my source of strength!
2
The Lord is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer. My God is my rocky summit where I take shelter, my shield, the horn that saves me, and my refuge.
3
I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I was delivered from my enemies.
4
The waves of death engulfed me, the currents of chaos overwhelmed me.
5
The ropes of Sheol tightened around me, the snares of death trapped me.
6
In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried out to my God. From his
heavenly temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry for help.
7
The earth heaved and shook; the roots of the mountains trembled; they heaved because he was angry.
8
Smoke ascended from his nose; fire devoured as it came from his mouth; he hurled down fiery coals.
9
He made the sky sink as he descended; a thick cloud was under his feet.
10
He mounted a winged angel and flew; he glided on the wings of the wind.
11
He shrouded himself in darkness, in thick rain clouds.
12
From the brightness in front of him came hail and fiery coals.
13
The Lord thundered in the sky; the Most High shouted.
14
He shot his arrows and scattered them, many lightning bolts and routed them.
15
The depths of the sea were exposed; the inner regions of the world were uncovered by your battle cry, Lord, by the powerful breath from your nose.
16
He reached down from above and took hold of me; he pulled me from the surging water.
17
He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hate me, for they were too strong for me.
18
They confronted me in my day of calamity, but the Lord helped me.
19
He brought me out into a wide open place; he delivered me because he was pleased with me.
20
The Lord repaid me for my godly deeds; he rewarded my blameless behavior.
21
For I have obeyed the Lord’s commands; I have not rebelled against my God.
22
For I am aware of all his regulations, and I do not reject his rules.
23
I was innocent before him, and kept myself from sinning.
24
The Lord rewarded me for my godly deeds; he took notice of my blameless behavior.

One thought:

 

The Lord, God, is the ally we should turn to above any other. He is more powerful and reliable than a boss, a family member or a friend.

Three questions:

 

What attributes of God is the Psalmist highlighting?

 

How do you feel about this God?

 

Have a think, what do you need to be crying out to the Lord for?

Prayer:

 

Acknowledge God as the Almighty Warrior, who stands ready to battle evil and save the righteous.

Give thanks that He anger at your sin has been covered by Jesus Christ.

Ask God to help you fight against the sins that wage war on your soul.

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