In 2010 a mine in Chile collapsed trapping thirty-three miners over two thousand feet underground. An international rescue team worked round the clock for days, drilling exploratory holes from the surface to locate the missing men. After seventeen days, when food and water were running short, the miners were discovered. One can only imagine the relief and joy they felt when they realized that rescue was at hand.
For many years, David had lived his life on the run from King Saul. After Saul’s death, it took seven years before David’s reign was established over the whole nation. One can imagine the relief he felt when he was finally at peace. In Psalm 18, David expressed his profound thanks to God. He declared his love for the Lord, who had proven himself faithful as “my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer . . . my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (v. 2).
David painted a vivid picture of the kinds of trouble he faced, “the cords of death entangled me, the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me” (v. 4). This terrifying image is answered by an equally vivid picture of the Lord answering his prayer for help: “He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet. He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind” (vv. 9–10). No foe is able to stand against the Lord who rescued His anointed.
David’s experience of God’s salvation leads David to praise God’s Word and to recognize how unique the Lord is. “For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?” (v. 31). David recognizes that the Lord is our only real hope for security. He concluded by declaring that he will sing the praises of the Lord to all the nations (v. 49).
Pray with Us
The final verse of today’s Psalm says, “I will praise you, Lord, among the nations” (Psalm 18:49). Today, remember in prayer the people you know who are serving as missionaries across the world. And, ask God to use you as His witness to every person you meet today.
BY Ryan Cook
Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.