Glory to God
Opening Prayer
Father God, I’m grateful for the good gift of Your Word, the Bible. May it teach me more today.
Read PSALM 18:30-50
[30] As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. [31] For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? [32] It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. [33] He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. [34] He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. [35] You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me; your help has made me great. [36] You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way. [37] I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed. [38] I crushed them so that they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet. [39] You armed me with strength for battle; you humbled my adversaries before me. [40] You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes. [41] They cried for help, but there was no one to save them- to the LORD, but he did not answer. [42] I beat them as fine as windblown dust; I trampled them like mud in the streets. [43] You have delivered me from the attacks of the people; you have made me the head of nations. People I did not know now serve me, [44] foreigners cower before me; as soon as they hear of me, they obey me. [45] They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds. [46] The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! [47] He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me, [48] who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from a violent man you rescued me. [49] Therefore I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name. [50] He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing love to his anointed, to David and to his descendants forever. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What do we learn here about God and his Word?How does the most successful king in Israel’s history feel about his achievements? He’s a king with a gift for armed combat and impressive physical strength (34). He’s a king who consumed his enemies in battle (37,38). He’s a king whose extraordinary reputation made his enemies tremble and capitulate.
For David, it is always God who gives the victory. His position is all due to God’s gift to him; it’s not his own doing. So are his many legendary conquests. Surely it’s no coincidence that a man who was so humble before God—who gave credit to God even for what would appear to the world to be military prowess and fine leadership—should also be trusted with the most success.
Paul quoted v. 49 of this psalm in Romans 15:9, emphasizing how the Gentiles, too, are now heirs of the promise originally made to the Hebrew people and are included among God’s chosen people. The blessings on God’s anointed king then (David) and now in Jesus are all ours.
Apply
Ponder now the blessings that are yours in Christ Jesus and give God your thanks and praise for them.
Closing prayer
How greatly privileged and blessed I am, Lord God, to be Your beloved child, through Jesus Christ, my Lord.
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