I love You [fervently and devotedly], O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and the One who rescues me;
My God, my rock and strength in whom I trust and take refuge;
My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower—my stronghold. (Psalm 18:1-2 AMP)
Recently our pastor preached a sermon about navigating the battles of life. If you are alive, you have probably faced some kind of battle yourself. I have a friend who lost her house in a fire and barely made it out alive. Another friend’s husband needs an additional $20,000 for treatment at Mayo Clinic for an autoimmune disease. I also know someone who lives with chronic pain every single day. All of these people have fought—or are still fighting—very real battles.
King David fought many battles as well. While some of his personal struggles—such as his sin with Bathsheba and the heartbreak involving Absalom—were not victories, his military leadership became legendary. The phrase, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands,” was not just poetic language; it was recognition of David’s courage and leadership in battle.
In Psalm 18:1–2, David describes God as his strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, horn of salvation, and stronghold. When our pastor pointed out these seven descriptions of God, he challenged us with a question: Could we each name seven ways God has revealed Himself in our own lives?
My first three came easily: Protector, Provider, and Faithful One. After that, I had to think more deeply. Other descriptions that come to mind are Creator, Peace, Imagination-Inspirer, Identity-Giver, Ever-Present Help, and the Holy Spirit within me. I’m still reflecting on which words best describe how I have experienced God’s character and presence.
What would your list look like? What aspects of God are you most grateful for in your own life?
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Thank you for the many ways you reveal yourself to us. Help us to hear you in the battles of life and to trust you to carry us through them, we ask in Jesus’s name. AMEN
When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. As they danced, they sang:
“Saul has slain his thousands,
and David his tens of thousands.”
Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” (1 Samuel 18:6-8 NIV)
h/t Tim Cross