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2 Samuel 22:1-51; Psalm 18<\/strong><\/span> Today in Second Samuel chapter 22 we read David\u2019s Song of Praise to God! This is an incredible chapter and certainly reminds us why David composed so many powerful Psalms as well.\u00a0 In fact, you will notice that this song of praise from David today is, oh, the same as <\/span>Psalm 18<\/span>\u2026 \ud83d\ude42\u00a0 It is thought that this Song was composed shortly after David\u2019s victory over an enemy, but before his sins against Bathsheba and Uriah.\u00a0 The Song starts off with David using the metaphor of a rock in verses 2 & 3:\u00a0 \u201cThe LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 The metaphor of a rock is very appropriate for David, as he often had taken refuge among the rocks of the desert (when fleeing from Saul, for example), but David realized that his true security was found only in God.<\/span><\/p>\n In verses 31 through 33 of David\u2019s Song of Praise to God in today\u2019s readings we read these incredible words: \u201cAs for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless.\u00a0 He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?\u00a0 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Can you imagine yourself saying these words to God in praise?\u00a0 Can you say these words now to God?\u00a0 It is interesting to think about the word \u201cperfect\u201d \u2013 used twice in these verses.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know about you, but sometimes I have been accused of being a \u201cperfectionist.\u201d\u00a0 But, really, can you or I be perfect or create anything perfect?\u00a0 I don\u2019t think so.\u00a0 I do think we can live in a loving, growing relationship with God who will arm us with strength and make our way \u201cperfect.\u201d\u00a0 But, it is not us making us perfect.\u00a0 It is God.\u00a0 God\u2019s way is perfect.\u00a0 His word \u2013 the Bible \u2013 is flawless.\u00a0 This is why we study the Bible. We are flawed people looking for flawlessness.\u00a0 God and the Bible deliver this to us. Is God a shield for you?\u00a0 When the storms of life come, do you take refuge in God?\u00a0 Do you believe there is any other God besides the Living God of the Bible?\u00a0\u00a0Is there anything else out there?\u00a0 I don\u2019t think so.\u00a0 I\u2019ve looked.\u00a0 I have never found anything else besides our Heavenly Father, Son & Holy Spirit.\u00a0 He is the Rock whose way is perfect. Who arms us with strength and makes our way perfect.<\/span><\/p>\n Bible.org\u2019s commentary on today\u2019s Second Samuel readings titled \u201cDavid\u2019s Song of Salvation\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Psalms <\/strong>\u2013 Psalm 18 is an amazing one!\u00a0 Verse 1 today is so beautiful: \u201cI love you, LORD; you are my strength.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 How often do you tell God that you love him?\u00a0 One thing that one of my former pastors does when he prays publicly, which absolutely moves me, is that he closes out just about every prayer with \u201cGod we love you.\u00a0 And we pray all of this in the name of your son Jesus.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0The last line of course is the powerful line!\u00a0 But, that second to last line\u2026 is just beautiful.\u00a0 Just telling God that we love him.\u00a0 I\u2019m not sure I tell God that I love him often enough.\u00a0 God may not \u201cneed\u201d to hear it.\u00a0 But I think that I need<\/span> to say it more often.\u00a0 I love you God!<\/strong><\/span> I love Psalm 18 verses 25 through 27: \u201cTo the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the wicked you show yourself hostile. You rescue those who are humble, but you humiliate the proud.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Are you showing yourself to be faithful to God?\u00a0 Are you living with integrity?\u00a0 Are you showing yourself to be pure?\u00a0 Is God showing you these things as well?<\/span><\/p>\n I really love verse 28: \u201cLORD, you have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 \u00a0Has Jesus brought light into your life?\u00a0 Does God light up your darkness?<\/span><\/p>\n The closing verse 50 of Psalm 18 today is powerful \u2013 and I believe can apply to both David and Jesus: \u201cYou give great victories to your king; you show unfailing love to your anointed, to David and all his descendants forever.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Are you a spiritual descendent of David?\u00a0 Do you believe that God shows you unfailing love?\u00a0 Do you think that God\u2019s Word, the Bible, shows His unfailing love for you?<\/span> Worship Video:<\/strong>\u00a0 Today\u2019s readings reminded me of the song \u201cWay Maker:\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \n
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