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When facing defeat read Psalm 18. It’s the victory Psalm.
I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior (vv. 1-2a, NLT).
The setting of Psalm 18 is David’s coronation as king. After being anointed as king by the prophet Samuel, then in the ensuing years running for his life from King Saul, differing nations opposing him, and even friends betraying him. . .
Now David is king. As he proclaims. . .
My God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety (v. 2).
As I read this Psalm, I appreciate the graphic language.
When I encounter trials, I often exaggerate the problem with my fears. I haven’t had the severe distress of David, but nonetheless I feel like this during my battles. . .
The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path (vv. 4-5).
How about you? Have you experienced this type of emotionally magnified frustration? Fortunately, Psalm 18 has a great God-response. How many of us, when our enemies surround us, would enjoy this?
The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded amid the hail and burning coals. He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies; great bolts of lightning flashed, and they were confused (vv. 13-14).
Amen and amen concerning my enemies. Amen and amen about my sickness. Amen and amen about my financial distress. Amen and amen about political forces of evil.
Okay, I’ll throttle it back a bit. Forgive my outburst. It’s just that often we don’t see overwhelming victory and Psalm 18 has it in figurative largesse.
Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth. Glowing coals blazed forth from him. He opened the heavens and came down (vv. 8-9a).
Amen and amen concerning those who betrayed me. Amen and amen about evil seemingly triumphing in schools. Amen and amen about Michigan beating The Ohio State Buckeyes the last three years.
Admittedly, I’m losing it now. But King David doesn’t seek revenge after his victory. God delivered him, yes, but now listen to what David says made him a great warrior. . .
For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil (v. 21).
And David continues with his victory formula. . .
To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure (vv. 25-26a).
Read Psalm 18 during your next bout with despair. I read it often as it keeps the spiritual forces of doubt at bay. . .
You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness (v. 28).
And one final extravagant praise as I end this Interruption. . .
The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! (v. 46)
Amen. Peace out!