For who is like God, but the Lord? This is the question David answers as he closes his writing in this Psalm, which has a warfare theme. In this last section, David highlights the benefits of trusting in God in the midst of trial that we should pray and encourage ourselves with this week.
Our most important weapon is not of this world. Though God trained David as a skilled soldier, he did not put his ultimate trust in the weapons of war (like bows constructed of wood), but rather he says, “…so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze” which implies God-given strength, a weapon so durable it cannot be broken like wood. The power of God was his shield and defense against his enemies.
Reflection: God provides many things to help us prepare and navigate the choppy waters of life. How much trust and credit are we giving our money, material wealth, and social standing in overcoming life’s skirmishes? In the end, all these things can fail us (cf. 1 Jn 2:16-17) because the true source of triumph comes from God himself. Unless God is the foundation and active agent in all we have prepared, our efforts will be in vain, and skills will be useless in the face of problems at our door. This is why Solomon rightly observes, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord” (Prv 21:31).
God orders our steps in life. God was the foundation David walked on. Our perfect God, perfects our way in this life, thus David declares, “You gave me a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip” (v36). God has given us gifts and an intelligent mind to make plans for our future (even those to mitigate risk areas of our lives), HOWEVER, God is behind the scenes as the master orchestrator. We must always be mindful of God’s will to ensure there is plenty of space in our hearts for Him to reveal HIS plan, thus, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (Prv 16:9). Our ability and victories are all due to and completely dependent on the enabling power of God. He is owed all the glory.
Gratitude produces praise. Daily we should thank God for all his benefits towards us due to his kindness and mercy. That list should be very long. Gratitude can purge a discontent and complaining heart. David suffered much, but the focus of so much of his writing was an acknowledgment of God’s providence in all the events in his life. Through it all, he had given David great victory and placed him as king of all of Israel.
Like David, God will not allow us to be overcome by evil and has given us victory through Jesus Christ. The strength of your gratitude powers your altitude (spiritual maturity). David understood this intimately, for he rejoices, “For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing to your name” (v49).
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com