Psalm
18:6, 19 In
my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple
he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears…. He brought me out
into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
A psalm of
remembrance
It is good to remember the
past. The good and the bad have shaped our lives to this day. When God is in
your life and you are striving daily to remain with Him, the past will always
be a reminder of His goodness and grace.
Today we reflect on the
Lord's worthiness of our praise and love. God hears us and descends to rescue
us. He rewards and responds to us in the same manner we respond to him. He
desires to bless, help and guide us daily. He is our Savior and is worthy of
our praise.
David's
praise and thanksgiving to God is summarized into ten sections. The first
acknowledges his desire to love and praise God for the wondrous acts on David's
behalf. For when David cried out in distress God responded. The earth trembled
as God descended in dark clouds to defend His chosen one from enemies. God
delighted in reaching down, rescuing David from his powerful enemies. David's
righteousness is the basis for God's dealing with him. God responds in kind to
all men; faith for faith, pure for pure or shrewd for crooked. David thrives,
his foes are defeated and nations become subservient all by the God who makes
our way perfect. Final praises are offered by David to God who is unfailing in
his kindness.
The power of God in all aspects of David's life and reign
are depicted in his willingness to give all glory and honor to god. The very
love he has for God is enabled by the strength of God in him. God, the Redeemer
is picture as strong, rock, shield and stronghold. His strength is stronger
than the "cords of death", "torrents of destruction",
"cords of the grave" and the "snares of death". He is able
to lay bare the valleys of the sea and the foundations of the earth. Yet, such
power and strength were able to gently reach down and rescue David.