A Simple, Powerful Way to Face the Obstacles in Your Life
Battling Obstacles
All of us face obstacles in life. The question is—
How do you handle obstacles in your life?
The obstacles in our lives are often people or situations caused by others. Who do you turn to for help? Or do you try to battle life’s obstacles on your own?
The Psalms are a treasure trove of testimonies to God’s faithfulness. His faithfulness and readiness to deliver us when we trust in Him as our Rock and Fortress. King David wrote many of these testimonies. He recalls how God came to his rescue time and time again.
David exalts and praises the Lord as his strength, his shield, his salvation. Though he was a great warrior and king, David acknowledges the Lord as the One who enables him.
Psalms 18 is long. It’s also recorded in 2 Samuel chapter 22, towards the end of David’s life. This psalm sums up King David’s ongoing, very personal relationship with the Lord.
David’s life was flawed in several ways. But the redeeming constant in his life was his dependence upon the Lord.
Keep this in mind as you read through this psalm. It will help you face obstacles in your life in a simple yet powerful way.
Scripture
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my Savior,
my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the strength of my salvation, my stronghold.
The Lord should be praised.
I called on him, and I was saved from my enemies…
I called on the Lord in my distress. I cried to my God for help.
He heard my voice from his temple, and my cry for help reached his ears…
O Lord, you light my lamp.
My God turns my darkness into light…
God’s way is perfect! The promise of the Lord has proven to be true.
He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.
Who is God but the Lord? Who is a rock except our God?
The Lord lives! Thanks be to my rock!
May God my Savior be honored…
That is why I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the nations
and make music to praise your name…
(Psalm 18:1-3, 6, 28, 30-31, 46, 49 GW) [Context– Psalm 18]
Reflections and Insights
The imagery and emotion in this psalm are strong. The Lord is a Rock. Not a stone, but an immovable rock. A Fortress. A Refuge. The Lord was King David’s strength, which is clear throughout his life (1 Samuel 16:1–1 Kings 2:11).
Early in David’s life, he relied on and trusted in the Lord. He was more than a warrior and king. He was a poet, musician, and writer of psalms. But for all his wonderful qualities, David’s character and life had flaws.
David experienced the Lord’s mercy and grace many, many times. He also met with the judgment of God when the Lord confronted David for foolish and immoral acts.
King David’s life was filled with great highs and lows. His psalms express the gamut of the emotions we all feel. He experienced what we all experience in life—excitement, depression, joy, sadness, loneliness, fulfillment, success, frustration, victory, isolation, and contentment.
Throughout his life, David looked to the Lord as His one constant in life. His relationship with the Lord was honest and open. He always turned to the Lord regardless of circumstances.
Praise, worship, and confidence in the Lord fill this psalm, as with so many others.
May this psalm be an encouraging example for all of us.
Digging deeper to Make it personal...
Review the Scriptures above as you consider the following questions
What are we told about this psalm in the title?
How does this psalm begin?
What are recurring themes throughout this psalm?
What are some figures of speech that stand out to you? Why?
How is this psalm personally applicable for you?
Would you like a free study guide for your study of Psalms?
Click the link for a free Psalms Study Guide
