PAST VICTORIES - GOD'S GLORIES Read Psalm 18:29-42
Here again we see David telling us of his past victories. We know David was a good soldier, but was he in David's army or God's army? David makes it clear that his past victories were only won with God on his side.
It was:
GOD'S STRENGTH - for David was not taught how to be a soldier when he was young. He was a contemplative, poetic shepherd boy. Oh he fought lions, bears and giants - but we know this inner strength and courage came from God.
GOD'S PERFECTION - David's speed and boldness, like all our natural gifts are given to us from God.
GOD'S SUPPORTING HAND - David trusted in God for His protection.
GOD'S ENABLEMENT - David's wisdom in planning and his victory over his enemies always came because he prayed to God.
Yes, David used the word `I' a lot, but this was always followed by what God had done; for it is God who equips his people for the service He has planned for them, and He is always there each step of the way.
1. Give an example of each of the above in your life.
"You have given me a shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great. You have made a wide path for for me to keep me from slipping." Psalm 18:35&36 FUTURE CHALLENGES WITH GOD BY YOUR SIDE Read Psalm 18:43-50
David ends this Psalm as he looks at the future challenges he faces as king. He begins by honouring the God who has placed him on that throne, for He knows he will need Him by his side.
David knows there will be other battles ahead and he remembers God's promise to show him `unfailing love' to his kingdom. With great expectation David resolves that God will be his sustaining force and confident hope, as he faces new enemies and a government that will extend so far that even `people he does not know will serve him'.
Are you in the midst of fighting an enemy? Are you resting, awaiting a new challenge? There may be new challenges ahead - some you may not even be aware of, but you be sure God is preparing you. Life may be treating you pretty good, and you are seeking to simply serve God and to follow His will. Wherever you are at the moment - the Lord is your ROCK, your FORTRESS, your DELIVERER (SAVIOUR).
"The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted." Psalm 18:46.
2. Do you know of a new challenge you may be facing? Or are your resting awaiting a new challenge?Take time now to thank the Lord for being your Rock, your Fortress and your Deliverer. The Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, Tyndale House Publishers The Life of David as Reflected in the Psalms, Alexander McLaren, Samizdat Express
THE LORD: OUR ROCK, OUR FORTRESS, OUR SAVIOUR Read Psalm 18: 1-20
Although we often like to think of ourselves as the victors when we overcome our `enemies' , trials and temptations- and it is not wrong to take pride in our accomplishments - we need to remember the importance our relationship with God plays in our ultimate triumph.
Right from the start David makes it clear that GOD is his strength, his fortress and his deliver. Many times death `entangled him' and his enemies `laid a trap in his path'. But what did David do? DAVID PRAYED. And did God listen to David's prays? Did God answer? YOU BETCHA!
What a wonderful description of how David saw God's rescue:
"He opened the Heavens and came down...... He thundered from Heaven, the voice of the Most High resounded......He reached down from Heaven and rescued me." Psalm 18:9-16
You may not think you have experienced such a demonstration of God's glory in your life, but just think about what Jesus did for you.
"He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be whole." Isaiah 53:5 "He became their Saviour. In all their suffering, He also suffered, and He personally rescued them. In His love and mercy He redeemed them. He lifted them up and redeemed them." Isaiah 63:8&9.
Why did the Lord rescue David from his enemies? Why did God send His son to be our Saviour? Well this is a verse I have missed before, but it is the most powerful of all.
"He led me to a place of safety; He rescued me because He delights in me." Psalm 18:19 (NLT)\ "I stood there saved, surprised to be loved." Psalm 18:19 (The Message)
We shouldn't be surprised that God LOVES us. He has not only promised us salvation, but eternal life with him forever, for He is our ROCK, OUR FORTRESS AND OUR SAVIOR.
"God showed us how much he loved by sending us His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love - not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as as a sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 4: 9&10 1. The biggest demonstration you have in your life is of God's love. Tell us your story. COMFORT IN INTEGRITY Read Psalm 18:20-28, 1 John 3:3-10, 18-24; Ephesians 5:1-10
David wrote this psalm before his adultery, before his problems with his son. He may not have been the best husband or father, but he had endeavoured to be a faithful servant of God.
* He had kept the ways of the Lord.
* He had turned from following evil.
* He had followed God's regulations.
* He had kept himself from sin.
David took comfort in his integrity and this is not a bad thing. For we are encouraged throughout the New Testament, from the Gospel and letter writers, and from Jesus himself, to live righteous lives.
"And now dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ, so that when He returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from Him in shame. So that we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what what is right are God's children.", 1 John 2:28:29
I've made mention of this before that growing up I had quite a reputation for being a `goody goody'. It's not that I didn't face temptation or peer pressure - I was a teenage girl. But someone held me back - someone I loved more than any good looking guy - it was my desire to serve God. I knew I couldn't do this unless I kept my mind and body pure. I had to be seen as a child of God - a young woman of integrity.
"Jesus replied, "My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light." John 12:35&36 "Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love following an example of Christ.......Once you were full of darkness, but now you have the light of the Lord. So live as children of the light." Ephesians 5:1&2, 8
Jesus often spoke of himself as the `Light of the World', and Paul spoke of this in his letter to the Ephesians. What does this mean? I believe, it is simply as David saw it: taking comfort in living in integrity, living a life that is pleasing to God, following His ways that are written in His Word as best we can, and by doing this, we can be a witness to others
"WE ARE MADE FOR GOODNESS BY GOD, WHO IS GOODNESS ITSELF. WE ARE MADE FOR AND LIKE GOD, WHO IS THE VERY ESSENCE OF GOODNESS." Bishop Desmond Tutu .1 2.a) Do you agree with this statement made by Bishop Tutu. Why? Why not? b) Do you think like David we should `take comfort in integrity'? What do you think this means? Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, Tyndale House Publishers. The Message, 2002, Eugene.H.Peterson, NavPress. The Life of David as Reflected in the Psalms, Alexander McLaren, Samizdat Express 1. "Made for Goodness", 2010, Desmond & Mpho Tutu, Harper Collins.
Read Psalm 18 and/or 2 Samuel 22
This Psalm is the song David sang when he was rescued from his enemy Saul, just before he was crowned as King. In the Bible though, it is chronologically found in 2 Samuel 22, just before David's death. Knowing what we know of David, I am sure He may have sung it many times during his life. Time again he would need to have been reminded that the Lord was his STRENGTH, HIS FORTRESS and HIS DELIVERER.
Many times:
* He would need the Lord as His SHIELD for protection
* God would be the SOLID ROCK on which he would stand, with the stability of a deer standing on a mountain.
* He would find himself relying on God for SUPPORT AND VICTORY in battle, or when he felt he was slipping down the mountain.
As you read through this psalm, I pray that you too will find that God is all these for you, and you can say, like David,
"I LOVE YOU, LORD, YOU ARE MY STRENGTH." Psalm 18:1. 1. Have there been any times recently when you have needed to be reminded that God is your: a) SHIELD for protection. b) SOLID ROCK c) Your SUPPORT for VICTORY in a battle. SONG STORIES SOLID ROCK - Edward Mote.Version: Denver & Mile High Orchestra (Go Fish)
Many well known hymn writers were clergy or had real life stories of suffering and trials, which they told through their songs. Edward Mote was a simple apprentice cabinetmaker from London who wrote this song while at work. It was a simple song of faith from a young man who had given his heart to the Lord when his boss took him to Church.
One day while visiting a friend's wife who was dying he didn't know what what to say, so he told her the words of his song:
"My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus' love and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus' name. When darkness veils His lovely face I rest on His unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil. When He shall come with trumpet sound, oh may I then in Him be found, Dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne."
Edward Mote (1797-1874).
"The Complete Book of Hymns", 2000, William and Adythe Peterson, Tyndale Publishers. MIGHTY FORTRESS - Aaron Shust & Paul Baloche
Hardships generally produce sorrow, but for young Christian composer, Aaron Shust, the past three years has also brought joy. It has been an emotional roller coaster with the birth of his three young sons, but among the challenges he and his wife Sarah have seen miracles, and have had to rely on their faith more and more each day.
There second son Nicky had been very ill and they nearly lost him. Their third son Michael was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and had heart surgery at 5 months old. During their illnesses Aaron and Sarah saw the power of prayer and God's healing in their son's lives, but they also faced their challenging times of waiting on God.
"Sometimes He chooses not to heal and I don't know why, but we just need to trust that His ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and He's still good and He's still our God. He will one day make all things like He promises. It's a strong balance of saying, `Hey praise God when he heals and praise Him even when He doesn't.'
I feel like every day is an adventure. Every day presents a challenge. How do we tackle this one? How do we approach this one? The answer is by the grace of God. Whenever we start to find ourselves overwhelmed God reaches down and picks us up. His hand sustains us and we feel lifted up."
He won't abandon, He won't deceive, He won't desert us, He won't ever leave. He won't forsake us, He won't ever run. He'll never reject us, the Faithful on. Your love will remain. Your love will remain. A mighty fortress is our God, a tower of strength never failing The name of Jesus true and strong, no other power can ever save us. You are good, you are good, Mighty Fortress. Yesterday, today, forever, Your love will remain Nothing has the power to sever your love. You are good, you are good, and your mercy endures You are good, you are good.
Aaron Shust & Paul Baloche, 2013, Universal Music. Worship Together.Com/worship-leaders/index.aspx 2. Do you have a favourite song? Can you tell it's story?
In Psalm 16 David revealed the need for seeking God's presence and praying in all circumstances of his life - at home, in the midst of battles, in worship, in fellowship with godly people and in quiet meditation. They were a top priority in David's life, as they should be in our lives. Here, in Psalm 17, we find him again `on his knees'.
David is surrounded by his enemies - Saul and his army are seeking to kill him. David has to run and hide. He is not fighting, he is not planning his revenge. At this stage, he is waiting in the Lord's presence, praying in faith and seeking refuge in the `shadow' of his Father's `wings'.
1a) When faced with a difficult situation what are the first things you think of doing?
b) How do you think you might feel, if like David, you sought the Lord's presence and got `down on your knees'?
DAVID'S STORY
Read Psalm 17:1-5; 1 Samuel 24:1-4; 1 Samuel 26:3-11.
We know from David's earlier story that he had every reason to despise Saul. David had done nothing but fight for Saul against his enemies and to serve him, but now because of his jealous spirit, Saul was now out to kill him. David might have every right to feel bitter and angry, and no one would feel it was wrong of him if he killed Saul - except David and God.
David knew that committing this evil could stand in His way of having a close relationship with the Lord - it could hinder His prayers. Could this have been the thought that pricked his conscience and `began bothering him'.
"No, David said, who can stay innocent after attacking the Lord's annointed one."
1 Samuel 26:9a (NLT)
Yes, he could have become just like the `cruel and evil' people who were chasing him, but David chose to stay on God's path so that he could continue to live in his presence.
"I have avoided cruelty because of your word. In spite of what others have done, my steps have remained firmly in your paths. My feet have not slipped." Psalm 17:4 (GWT)
This doesn't mean we allow our enemies to walk all over us. There are times, we need to stand up for our rights; but at first, we need to make sure we have the Lord on our side.
2. Is there anything in your life that could be hindering your prayers and your relationship with God?
DAVID'S CONFIDENCE IN PRAYER
Read Psalm 17:6-12
3. What are some of the verbs used in this psalm that show David's confidence and faith as he prays?
As I read David's psalms I am continually struck by his confidence. Surrounded by Saul and his army, `like hungry lions eager to tear me apart', David KNOWS God is with Him, He KNOWS God will listen to his prayers and he KNOWS God will answer him.
I am sure he was afraid. These were `murderous enemies' surrounding him, and I am sure he was weary. He had been running and hiding, running and hiding, running and hiding - with no end in sight. But like the prophet Isaiah, David knew that the Lord was the sustainer of the weary, the One who gives courage and strength to the fearful and weary.
"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will sour high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
"Don't be afraid for I am with you. Don't be afraid for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."Isaiah 41:10
I have told the story before about my termination from Education Queensland before, so I won't dwell on it again. What I haven't told many people is the real reason for my bitterness and anger, and ultimate weariness. As a teacher I not only loved `my children' but I had a reputation for relating well with my parents. So it was a shock to discover, when I started teaching on the Gold Coast, that parents had started putting complaints about me into my principal. My `enemies' were beginning to surround me!!
I had to accept to accept that I was not at my best. Having recently lost my second sister to cancer, I had been suffering from depression long before I moved to my new school. I had been running and hiding, running and hiding, for many years; but fear, guilt and weariness had led me to a place where I could no longer `fight'.
Those `enemies' have still surrounded me. I have had to face the consequences of my mistakes and the decline of my health. This week I took my first step inside a Public School in nearly 4 years, without leaving an emotional wreck. I have been unable to find other work and although `professionals' tell me I will never teach again, and they are probably right, I still think each day about the lives of the children and parents whose lives I may have touched.
Like David, in his place of fear and weariness, I seek the Lord's presence each day. I KNOW He is with me. I KNOW He listens to my prayers and I KNOW He answers them. I am safe in the `hiding place of His presence'.
"THE LORD DOESN'T PROMISE TO GIVE US SOMETHING TO TAKE SO WE CAN HANDLE OUR WEARY MOMENTS=, HE PROMISES US HIMSELF." Chuck Swindoll. 1
"Come to me all who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am gentle and humble at heart and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-3
4. Are you feeling weary? What does it mean to you knowing that God is waiting for you to come to him so he can listen and answer your prayers.?
STRENGTHENED BY PRAYER
Read Psalm 17:13-15
David had given all his fears and weariness to the Lord. Now with God's power available to Him, David now prayed that God would stand with Him against His enemies.
We know that David's strength and confidence came from fully trusting in the Lord. His circumstances did not change dramatically, but he was now ready to face them head on. David was also renewed in his righteousness - reminded that by following God's will and His commands, He would one day see the Lord face to face.
5. Is there anything in your life you need to bring to the Lord, so that you can be renewed in faith, strength and righteousness?
CONCLUSION
We too can claim these promises from God that David has in Psalm 17:
1. OUR PROMISES FOR TODAY:
* God is WITH US always.
* God will LISTEN and ANSWER our prayers, whenever and wherever we call on Him.
* God has an UNFAILING LOVE for us.
* We can be encouraged and strengthened in our times of fear and weariness, for He is FAITHFUL and will PROTECT US.
* We are SAFE in the `shadow on His wings'.
"I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies. Guard me as you would guard your own eyes, hide me in the shadow of your wings." Psalm 17:6-8 (NLT)
2. OUR PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE:
*God has a place prepared for us in Heaven.
*One day we will see our Saviour face to face.
* We will spend eternal life with Him.
"Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied." Psalm 17:15 (NLT)
This is the CONFIDENCE AND STRENGTH we can have in GOD'S PRESENCE!
The Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), 1996, Tyndale Publishers. God's Word Translation (GWT), 2003, Green Key Books New Matthew Henry Commentary, Edited by Matthew H Manser `Facing Your Giants', 2006, Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson Publishers `Encourage Me' , 1982, Charles R Swindoll, Zondervan Publishing
