Apr 19 (Daily reading: 1 Samuel 28-31; Psalm 18) David wrote Psalm 18 to celebrate God’s deliverance from his enemies. He gave us some truths for our own spiritual warfare.
(1) Victory in spiritual battle begins with a love relationship. God first loved us: “But the LORD was my support. He also brought me out into an open place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me” (vv. 18-19). So, we return His love: “I love You, LORD, my strength” (v. 1).
(2) God alone can give us victory! “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my savior … I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies” (vv. 2-3). “You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds me” (v. 35).
(3) We have confidence because God is omnipotent. “The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered His voice … He sent from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. He saved me from my strong enemy” (vv. 13, 16-17).
(4) Faithfulness to God is a prerequisite in spiritual warfare. David was confident because he had not done anything to disqualify himself. “For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not acted wickedly against my God” (v. 21). Paul later wrote that he disciplined himself, “so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:27).
(5) Satan is the leader of “the powers of this dark world” (Eph. 6:12, NIV). But David knew: “For You light my lamp; the LORD my God illumines my darkness” (v. 28).
(6) Spiritual warfare includes praise to our God! “The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of my salvation … Therefore I will give thanks to You among the nations, LORD, and I will sing praises to Your name” (vv. 46, 49).
– Al Gary
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