Psalm 18 reveals how David received deliverance from the enemy. Let’s examine this Psalm because there are some key points for us to learn about spiritual warfare. In the beginning of the Psalm David begins by proclaiming his love for the Lord and acknowledging that it is the Lord who is his strength. I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. In Ephesians chapter 6 Paul shows us that before we put on our armor we need to be standing from a position of the Lord’s strength. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. David does this by reminding himself of the greatness of his God. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. David stands on God’s word in faith. The Lord who saved him from the lion, the bear and the giant is able to deliver him from this attack. When we remind ourselves of how the Lord delivered us from past battles our faith rises. Remember when God came through last time? Remember that tough situation I was in? Jesus never let me down! He will deliver me now because I set my love upon him and he will take care of me! By faith David sees himself surrounded by a fortress of God’s power and himself sitting up high above his enemies with God as his high tower. He sees the Lord as his buckler warding off the enemy’s attacks. The Lord is his victory and Savior. A very present help in times of trouble. David is now in a position of faith by acknowledging that the Lord is his strength. He delivered me before and he will do it again ! Then clothed in the full armor of God David calls upon the Lord to enter into the battle with him. We can see that David is in a battle. He is being attacked by his enemies and he is in distress. (Extreme pain, sorrow and anguish) So what does he do? David sees his deliverance taking place by faith. He knows that his prayers are being heard! He sees the Lord like a mighty warrior coming to rescue him! David knows that he is secure in the Lord even though the battle rages around him. By faith David sees the Lord fighting for him in the heavenlies. He sees the Lord sending his angels to battle the powers of darkness on his behalf. The Lord enters into David’s battle and by his power brings light into the darkness. From heaven the Lord gives command and scatters the enemy with his arrows of justice! The Lord brings deliverance because of his love and mercy towards David. He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay. David declares his victory! You have delivered me in the day of trouble Lord! You gave me your strength to make it through this battle! For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me! Notice that David reveals how the enemy came upon him to attack him. In the day of his calamity. A moment of weakness. A time when he took his eyes off the Lord! That is when the enemy attacked. Satan like a roaring lion seeks to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) He knows our weakness but we know the strength of our God! David knew the Lord’s faithfulness and in the time of trial the Lord would be his stay. The Lord would not let him down! When we are in the Lord’s righteousness and our hearts are made right with him we can rejoice and praise God for his faithfulness to us too! For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God? Then after the trial was over David was set back up again and blessed even more. He was given more wisdom concerning spiritual warfare. David’s understanding was now enlightened. David tells us that the Lord teaches his hands to war. He strengthens him for the battle. One more battle won means another victory in Jesus! The Lord will show us how to do spiritual warfare for each battle we face in life. David’s faith then grew even more after the battle. With my God I can run through a whole troop of the wicked. I can jump right over any wall of hindrance! God’s word will perfectly be fulfilled when put to the test! Our God is an awesome God! David then shares his testimony with us. My God delivered me and strenthened me in the day of trouble! The Lord has set me above my enemies ! I am seated with Christ in heavenly places! That is my position of strength! (Ephesians 2:6) The Lord has given me the ability to get through those rough places by his mighty power! David then in a position of renewed faith attacks his enemies. He prays against the evil one’s plans and schemes! He routes them out and commands them to flee. He stomps on the head of the serpent and crushes his stronghold! David knows that God’s authority is greater than the evil one and his henchmen. Then David subdues his enemy. He binds them up in fetters. Their power in now broken. David is in the Lord his head and all his enemies are the tail. They are defeated completely! David then praises the Lord for his goodness and rejoices in the God of his salvation. The enemy is now under his feet. When we make the Lord our strong tower and fortress of defense like David the Lord will train our hands for war and strengthen us for battle. He is faithful to his word and will always give us the victory as we put our trust in him ! I will love thee, 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 buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. Are you in a battle today? Remember that the battle you face belongs to the Lord. Call on him to save you. Ask Jesus to gird you with his strength and fill you will his mighty power to overcome! The Lord will not fail you! Look how he has brought you to victory so far! Ephesians 3:21,22 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages. |
So true…”When we remind ourselves of how the Lord delivered us from past battles our faith rises.”
Amen ! 🙂