February 14, 2022

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Read – Psalm 18

What does it say?
The Lord heard when David called to Him in distress. He rewarded David’s righteousness by sustaining him and enabling the defeat of his enemies.

What does it mean?
At long last, David was established as the king of Israel. The enemies who had kept him in hiding were defeated, including Saul. But David didn’t just move on to his next request, asking the Lord’s favor to rule his kingdom. David stopped and wrote a song about God’s faithfulness. The new king of Israel began his reign by publicly giving God the glory for his victory. He started with the simplest but most deeply meaningful words, “I love you, O Lord, my strength.” Then he continued for 50 verses about how God had cared for, enabled, and avenged him – ending by confessing God’s unfailing kindness.

How should I respond?
Like many of David’s psalms, we pray earnestly when the pressure and pain are the greatest. Too often, though, we move on quickly as soon as the Lord provides relief. What success has God given you in the last month or week? It might be something huge in your world, or it could be a small but significant victory. Did you make a point of telling someone else what happened, and then give God praise for the outcome? God’s faithfulness and goodness are worth celebrating. Follow David’s example and start by simply telling the Lord how much you love Him today.