Biblical poetry can inspire our imagination and emotions to make Scripture relatable, memorable, and practical. David began Ps. 18 with seven truths about the Lord that he personally experienced Ps. 18:1-3, 16, 17.
We can experience these same truths by trusting the Lord Ps. 28:7.
Ps. 18:20-24 David knew that his righteousness was from God and that he was in right relationship with him. David wrote these words toward the end of his life.
This is a testimony of the power of Christ’s death and resurrection and God’s grace Rom. 3:10; 4:6-8, 23-25. God’s righteousness produces righteous deeds.
The Lord does not strengthen us to push us to the point of exhaustion. Jesus said if we stay close to him and learn [humility] from him, we’ll find rest for our souls.
Why does the Lord strengthen us?
I. Obedience Ps. 18:32; Phil. 4:11-13
The Lord strengthens us to do his will. He makes our way perfect or blameless. We need the Lord to strengthen us every day to be doers of his word and not hearers only.
The context of Phil. 4:13 is important. The word for “things” in 4:13, is also translated, “this.” I have learned to be content in whatever state I am in; I can do all this through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13 can be applied to many situations, but they should all fulfill God’s perfect will.
II. Victory Ps. 18:39; Eph. 6:10, 11
Let’s ask the Lord for wisdom to avoid unnecessary battles. However, we are called to fight the good fight of faith. Jesus won the ultimate victory for us at the cross. Our strength for victory is in the Lord and in the power of his might. Let’s put on the whole armor and trust him for victory.
How does God strengthen us?
I. Fellowship Isa. 40:27-31; 41:10, 13; Acts 18:23
The key to living the Christian life is staying in close fellowship with the Lord. The word for wait is to hope. It’s translated “gathered together” Gen. 1:9 & “looks” Job 7:2. When we look to the Lord in faith, and gather together with the Lord, he renews our strength.
Isa. 40:31 TPT But those who entwine their hearts with YAHWEH will experience divine strength. They will rise up on soaring wings and fly like eagles, run their races without growing weary, and walk through life without giving up.
As believers, we can strengthen one another in godly fellowship by God’s Spirit.
II. God’s word Ps. 119:28
God’s word is life-giving. God uses his word to convict, comfort, encourage, heal, and strengthen us.
Neglecting God’s word eventually leads to negative consequences. It’s our spiritual daily bread. Let’s treasure God’s word enough to receive it, dwell on it, declare it, and do it.
Battles are draining. Life can be draining at times. Thank God, we don’t have to go it alone.
We need that focused time of fellowship with the One who is our strength.
He’s invited us. Will you draw near to him?