THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 18
“He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing love to his anointed, to David and to his descendants forever.” (Psalm 18:50)
This is a song of extremes.
God rescues David by shaking up the whole earth (vv.7-15)
David is helped because he is innocent, guiltless (vv.20-24)
David totally smashes his enemies into dust (vv.37-45)
But when we see the context, we see what kind of song this is.
This is the jubilation at the END of a time of serious conflict.
David is now victorious, and thanking God for anointing and helping him.
We also have times when God has helped us that we are extremely happy.
We see our troubles in a whole new light, we see God’s hand through it all.
David’s actual life was not so black and white, God did not always show up in power.
David was not always innocent, nor did he always crush his enemies.
We experience the same; God does not always show up, and we are not always blameless
But if we look at life and history from a different vantage point…
How we see God on Good Friday, and how we see God on Resurrection Sunday.
How we see God now in our struggles, how we will see God on the last day.
Jesus shows us how God works for us in the extremes.
And one day, when we see everything, we will praise Him in the extremes.
It may not look like it now, but God IS at work in extreme ways to help us.
Though we may not feel it, God sees us a perfected in Christ, innocent by grace.
Though it may not be happening yet, God will soon crush Satan under our feet.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Even though our battle is not done yet (neither was David’s) we can praise God.
He gives us great victories, He shows unfailing love to us, his anointed in Christ!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, remind me of this heavenly perspective on my own life, and the world. You are the expression of God’s extreme love, and my assurance that I will be victorious in You!
God is my Rock and Redeemer.
But all to often I call upon Him in my distress and weakness.
When do I talk with God?
In my joys or in my sorrows?
When all goes well or in my troubles?
God is the All in all. He is ever present enabling me to meet the challenges of the day. He continues to be my Guide always and I need open eyes to see His presence in my daily life. And I need to praise Him with my actions and voice. Always.
God gives His people strength – even me.
God gives His people strength;
If we believe in His way
He’s swift to repay
All those who bare the burden of the day;
God gives His people strength.
God gives His people love;
If we but open wide our heart
He’s sure to do His part
He’s always the first to make a start;
God gives His people love.
God gives His people peace;
When sorrow fills us to brim
And courage grows dim
He lays to rest our restlessness in Him.
God gives His people peace.