Scripture: Psalm 18:2 – “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (NRSVue)
Life seems like a battle. There are difficult challenges and a sense that enemies are all around you. You hope that you have a group of people to fight by your side, but just as often, it feels like you are alone.
I know I feel that way sometimes. Like it is up to me to solve all the problems in my life. Sometimes, I feel like it is my responsibility to fix all the problems in the world. And I feel like I am failing all the people that depend on me. It makes me feel alone and vulnerable, even if there are in fact many people there to help me.
When I feel this way, I stop and pray. And I remember verses like Psalm 18:2. The New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition translation of the Bible (great translation, horrible name) describes Psalm 18 as a “Royal Thanksgiving for Victory,” and the Hebrew says, “A Psalm of David the servant of the Lord, who addressed the words of this song to the Lord on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.” David had been hunted by Saul for many years, but God always delivered him from danger. There were many times when David was alone and isolated, and other times when he was leading his mercenary team and it was up to him whether they would escape. David faced life-and-death challenges all the time.
How did he get through them? Not through his own strength, even though history remembers him as among the greatest of kings. It was through his faith in God.
God is our rock, fortress, and delivered, our shield and stronghold. We can hide in the fortress that is God when we are most vulnerable. God is the horn which sounds out the signal that “the cavalry are coming.” We feel that relief when we trust that God is on our side. God is the one who saves when we are most alone.
I am sure that there will be a moment today when you feel scared or overwhelmed. It may be about a major health, family, or financial issue, or many you read something online that set off your fears. In these times, do not panic. Remember the Lord, your rock and fortress. Put faith in God, and you will find your victory.
Prayer: Loving Lord, I take my refuge in you amidst a sea of troubles. Amen.
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