Psalm 18 (verses 31-42)
31For who is God except the Lord?
And who is a rock besides our God?— 32the God who girded me with strength,
and made my way safe. 33He made my feet like the feet of a deer,
and set me secure on the heights. 34He trains my hands for war,
so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 35You have given me the shield of your salvation,
and your right hand has supported me;
your help has made me great. 36You gave me a wide place for my steps under me,
and my feet did not slip. 37I pursued my enemies and overtook them;
and did not turn back until they were consumed. 38I struck them down, so that they were not able to rise;
they fell under my feet. 39For you girded me with strength for the battle;
you made my assailants sink under me. 40You made my enemies turn their backs to me,
and those who hated me I destroyed. 41They cried for help, but there was no one to save them;
they cried to the Lord, but he did not answer them. 42I beat them fine, like dust before the wind;
I cast them out like the mire of the streets.
Often times, we hear these words: Proceed with caution. These usually accompany a warning, disclaimer, or other way of distancing ourselves from the effects of the action. However, we are called on to celebrate. This is definitely a Psalm of celebration. And with good reason. This psalm affirms the relationship between God and God's people. It celebrates God's deliverance.
Too often, we don't focus enough on the little victories in our lives. There are parts of the world where people are literally grateful for waking up in the morning. We don't always have to have a large victory, we just have to remember the source of our strength and the source of our joy. Even though the imagery of this psalm is militaristic, it is a reason to celebrate. As you pray this portion of Psalm 18, think of your own small "victories" not over people, but over sin. Pray that God would continue to bless our struggles.
Pray Psalm 18:31-42.
G. Thomas Martin