Psalm 18
Pt. 5
David’s Hymn in Retrospect of a Life Crowned with Many Mercies
How God rose to save him when he cried to Him

David knew and always affirmed that anything he accomplished which could be considered success, whether physical or spiritual, was dependent upon him being enabled by God. He had no confidence in himself even though at times he seemed (at least to our ears) to have been overconfident.

Ps 18:28-45

28 For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.

Apart from communion with God, the Grace of the Conscious Presence of Divinity, every human, even redeemed ones, walk in darkness. “Deliver me from the Evil One,” (Lord’s Prayer) is not a casual nor incidental request. It is profound and absolutely necessary for every one who would walk in Light and not Darkness. David had learned to depend upon the Lord for Light.

29 For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.

This is a picture of Grace and the Enabling of God. Every truly important thing in the believer’s life it seems is behind some wall or the other. Typically, the Lord does not tear down the wall but gives the Ability to
overcome it, sometimes to ‘leap’ over it.

30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

Not only does the saint need supernatural enabling, he also needs defense. A buckler was a small shield held on the left arm for defense in hand-to-hand combat. As we fight, He defends us from attacks that would overwhelm us. But a buckler is of little value to the one who will not fight.

“He and only He is Perfect.” And His Word is a sword in the hands of the saint who chooses His Way, the Perfect Way. “Lead me,” prays the saint, “not into temptation.” David knew that the only direction, the only ‘Way’ that the Lord leads is, “in paths of Righteousness,” and only for His Name’s sake.

31 For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?

Where else would one go but to Him? Who else can save but Him? The warrior must always know where his help is coming from and where the safe places are. The one who walks with God and does battle with the enemy must know this as well.

32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
33 He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy
gentleness hath made me great.
36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.

His help is mighty and sure. David, no doubt, in his prime was as strong and tough as any soldier on the field on any given day but his confidence was not in his own strength but in the Energizing Power of God working in him and through him.

37 I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.
38 I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.
39 For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up
against me.
40 Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.
41 They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the Lord, but he answered them not.

Success is a great motivator and the memories of past victories encourage the soul in present conflict. The NT saint has spiritual enemies that he must be willing to pursue, defeat and destroy. He cannot compromise with them nor take pity and have mercy on them. “They that are Christ’s have crucified the Flesh together with its’ affections and lusts.”

42 Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.
43 Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen:
a people whom I have not known shall serve me.
44 As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.
45 The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places. KJV

There is no question but that David knew the Enabling of God in victory and he often called upon his memory of previous times of Grace for encouragement to his soul in the battle immediately in front of him.

We would do well to follow his example.

— April 25, 2020