PSALM 18:16-19 – He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me.”
THEME OF THE DAY: BECAUSE HE DELIGHTS IN US. Before you go too far into today’s nugget, maybe even right now, stop and go slowly through today’s scripture and identify all the actions the Lord takes in the life of David, the Psalmist, and in our lives. As you do, I will also in the following paragraph.
Psalm 18 is so encouraging. Pay attention to how it begins – I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold (Psalm 18:1-2). David proclaims his love to the Lord for all that He is in his life – strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, salvation and stronghold. This is a great example for us in our praying. Focus more on Who God is instead of what God does. The latter will come as in today’s scripture, but we must keep the Who ahead of the What to maintain the relational aspect of our walk with the Lord. Now the what . . .
As the Psalm unfolds, David recognizes how Who God is to him becomes What God does for Him – He took him, He drew him, He rescued Him, He brought Him. We may apply this in our lives as well. Remember how the Lord took us from a life of sin and rebellion, drawing us to Himself through Christ. Think of the many times He rescued us from temptations and difficulties in life. And rejoice that He has brought us to Himself in His forever family, and will someday, bring us literally into His presence – Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also (John 14:1-3).
Psalm 18 offers a wonderful balance of the Person of God and the activities of God in the life of a believer. And it leads to the question, “Why would such a God be so kind, so loving, so giving to undeserving people such as us? Get ready. It is a truth staggering to the mind, overwhelming to the heart, and requires one response – humble, grateful, thankful worship. The truth? The end of verse 19 – because He delighted in me (us)! Get lost in the amazement that God delights in us, not because we deserve it, earn it, or are worthy of it. It is simply who God is and what He does. He takes great delight in His children because of His Son and our union with Him. Let this truth motivate us to more holy living and a life of worship for such a God who delights in His people!
PRAYER: “Father, I stand amazed that You would take delight in me, a chief of sinners.”
QUOTE: “Let the truth of God’s delight in us fuel our delight in Him.”
In the affection of Christ Jesus,
Pastor Jim