I will love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18, 1, 2, NKJV. (Emphasis provided)
Loving Lord, I am so glad that You are a God who hears us when we call upon You. Please come divinely close, and lead us in this study. For Christ’s sake we pray; Amen
Today we will continue in the study we began yesterday. We will look at all our needs that are supplied in Jesus, our LORD. I have put emphasis on the second half of the promise that we will be considering today.
“My God…in whom I will trust.” How big is your God? Some months ago I mentioned a sermon I had heard as a youth, entitled, “Your God is too small.” After more than thirty years, the only detail I remember of the sermon is the title. Somehow, the point the preacher was making, is buried somewhere in my subconscious mind. Proof of this is that, every time I am about to put limits on God, mentally, the title pops up in my memory, as if to call me to attention. So whether I want to, or not, I cannot help but think of God as invincible! And He is! In Isaiah 26: 4, one of my favorite verses, we take a look at God, “Trust in the LORD forever, for in the LORD God, you have an everlasting rock (NRSV).” We can trust in Him, without ceasing! There is no end to His greatness, love, and mercy!
“My shield.” What is interesting about the protection offered by a shield, is that it protects the person operating the artillery from bullets, and any metal balls and fragments, that are scattered in an explosion. At the same time, it protects from the onslaught of the enemy. It is also defined as, “Somebody or something that serves as protection or acts as a defense” (Dictionary lookup). Our God is just the shield we need to, “protect us from the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6: 16). Paraphrasing a chorus we sang as youth at church, I apply it to God as our shield, “Our God is so high, they (the weapons of the evil one) can’t get over Him; so low, they can’t get under Him, so wide, they can’t get around Him, we are fully protected in Him.” Praise God!
“The horn of my salvation.” I am not quite sure what is the application of the word “horn” in this context; but seeing it as an instrument of salvation, makes me think of the use given to the horn in ancient times. A horn was used to call people’s attention. The blowing of the horn, among other functions, was used to alert people of imminent danger. Therefore, when given a certain sound, blowing the horn, was a means of saving lives. God is indeed, the horn of salvation for His people. Unlike horns that are only used to produce a sound, our God not only warns us, but also protects us, from the evil, as well!
“My stronghold.” David, as a mighty man of war, successful in battle, used a lot of military terminology to try and describe what God meant to him. David knew the importance of a good stronghold, and how useful it could be in the time of trouble. Having to flee from Saul, and his other enemies, he could appreciate this aspect of God’s protection; a fortified, safe place, where he could be readily defended from his enemies. The prophet Nahum said it this way, “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him” (Nahum 1: 7).
Do you trust in the LORD? Is He your Savior? Is He your All? If He is not, why not make your decision to accept Him today? I would love to hear from you, so that I can offer a special prayer for you. God bless you!