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?
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