God, my Rock. Should I trust him?

 

              God, my Rock and my Deliverer 

His name is Jesus

 

David hid in a cave with his men, fleeing from King Saul. Yet they were confident God would help them defeat this jealous king. On that same day, Saul entered the cave. David crept unnoticed and sliced off a corner of Saul’s robe. But he regretted this daring act, and he left the safety of the cave to confront Saul.

 

“My lord, the king! … You have seen how the Lord delivered you into my hands. Some urged me to kill you, but I will not lift my hand against the Lord’s anointed. I am not guilty of rebellion, nor have I wronged you, but you have hunted me down to take my life. Am I a dead dog or a flea? May the Lord judge between us, and may he uphold my cause.”

“Is that your voice, David, my son? The Lord delivered me into your hands, but you did not kill me. I know you will be Israel’s king, but promise me you will not destroy my descendants.” (Paraphrases from 1 Samuel 24.)

   Psalm 18      

 David gave his solemn word, and they parted company. Ever the poet and musician, David gave thanks to the Lord. Among the rocks and caves where they had sought refuge, he compared God to this mountainous landscape.

 

“I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my Rock in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.” Psalm 18:1-3.

 

Although David carried Goliath’s sword, he knew it wasn’t a full proof defense against Saul. He pleaded with God, his true savior, but while they crouched in darkness, the mountains shook, and outside, a storm raged. After God quietened the storm, Saul arrived. They had waited on the Lord.

 

Faith is believing what we can’t see, but trust results from confirmed faith and becomes the evidence we need to trust God and praise him for loving, protecting, and providing for us. Storms of disruption, family arguments or violent natural disasters can blind us to God’s love. If we keep trusting him through the storm, he promises he is with us.

 

 

“To the faithful you show yourself faithful…” Psalm 18:25.

 

“You save the humble, but bring low the haughty…” Psalm 18:27.

 

God had humbled King Saul while rescuing David and his men. This experience strengthened their faith and confirmed their trust in the Lord.

 

David concluded:

“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. Who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?” Psalm 18:30-32.

 

When we thank God, praise is a natural response. God, who maintains the universe and rules the nations, is our refuge because we see his power and superiority at work, and our hearts resonate with praise.

 

“The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be my Savior!” Psalm 18:46.

 

“Therefore, I will praise you among the nations, O Lord, and I will sing praises to your name.” Psalm 18:49.

 

By faith, David looked forward to the Messiah, but we look back through history to his life, death and resurrection. David offered sacrifices for his sins, but Jesus Christ has died once and for all. God rescued David from his enemies, and Jesus has rescued us from Satan’s grip, removing our sin as far as the east is from the west.

 

“Lord Jesus, you are my Rock, and my Savior. Each day, I run to you for love and protection because your mighty power is the ultimate defense against temptation, evil, or opposition. Your love is my greatest comfort. No one compares to you. Amen.”

 

 

                            Praise the Lord, all ye saints. Praise his holy name.