For this, O LORD, I will praise you among the nations; will sing praises to your name.
Psalm 18:49
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2 (ESV)
God Is Our Rock
A rock represents strength and power. In our weakest and most vulnerable moments, God is our source of strength. When we feel defeated, it is His power that brings victory. Rocks are a source of protection and defense as danger threatens. God was the rock in David’s sling as he slay Goliath (1 Samuel 17:48-49). He was the rock Moses struck at Horeb (Exodus 17:6), protecting Israelites’ physical needs by providing water. Rocks are solid and will not crumble. A rock is solid and unchangeable. Our God is strong and solid, and will not waver when we cast our cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7).
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever
Hebrews 13:8
God Is Our Fortress
Each time I read the word fortress I pictured myself standing erect, chest out as if marching into battle, assured of victory, singing, “A Mighty Fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.” A fortress is a place of exceptional security. Doesn’t that describe our God perfectly?
We face fierce battles against our enemy, but we also have day-to-day struggles like finances, job security, health care, wayward children, aging parents, and unfulfilled marriages. He is our safe place to run and hide no matter how big or small the battle might be, protecting us from all external danger, injury, and annoyances.
The cities in David’s day were fortified by a strong, tall wall guarded day and night by watchmen in towers. The enemy could be seen coming from miles away. Rarely, could a city be attacked by surprise. Those inside the fortress could relax, regroup, and refresh. Inside the fortress of God, when trouble comes we do not have to fear. He is not surprised by trouble. He stands guard day and night so we may have a safe place to relax our bodies, regroup our thoughts, and refresh our spirits.
The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10
God Is Our Shield
Every warrior needs a shield. The shield, typically held in the left hand, enables the warrior to defend attacks from the front. The soldier must be alert and able to move quickly, looking for swords, lances, and arrows coming from all directions. There are times in our lives when we aren’t alert or able to move quickly because trouble, tragedy, and hardship have worn us down. We need our Shield, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies (Psalm 24:10), standing in front of us, fighting off the fiery arrows of the enemy.
In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
Ephesians 6:16
God Is Our Horn of Salvation
There was a time my husband and I loved to watch PBR (Professional Bull Riding). The size and power of the bulls intrigued me. I thought it humorous, however, to see a 2000 pound bull come into the arena virtually hornless.
A bull’s horns display its power. The very long and very sharp horns can potentially kill a rider and therefore must be cropped. Our Lord is the power of our salvation, both eternally and physically. The effectiveness of His power is only cropped by our unbelief and lack of trust in His ability to save and rescue us from our war.
Your right hand, O LORD, glorious in power, your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy.
Exodus 15:6 (ESV)
2 Samuel 22:1-51 and Psalm 18 are so very personal for David.
He says, “I praise…”:
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