Psalm 18 is a song of David after he is delivered from the hands of his enemies and the hand of Saul. He is ecstatic as he opens his song praising God as his strength, his rock, his fortress, his rock and refuge, a shield and stronghold. Wow. He describes his depression as being similar to drowning in the depths of the sea but then he envisions God’s help as a horrible storm crashing into his world and disrupting everything. Thunder, lightning, hail, dark clouds burst onto the scene, scattering his enemies in fear. Netflix would love it. Next he reflects on his own role in the conflict and having evaluated himself, he finds himself innocent of wrong and seeking the Lord through his ordeal. This little gem is buried in the middle, v. 25,
”To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. You save the humble and bring low those whose eyes are haughty.”
David still had to fight his battle. His confidence did not remove the struggle but gave him strength and perspective as he learns from his experience.
Matthew 18 (today is the 18th and we are looking at Matthew this year) has the disciples going to Jesus and asking who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus calls a little child and challenges us to become like little children because whoever humbles himself like a child is greatest. King David and Jesus present humility as a quality of great value. That is very counter-cultural in our world of power, wealth and voice. I do not know what battle you are fighting today nor who you perceive to be your enemy nor if you feel you are drowning but I do know our God hears, sees, and acts on behalf of the humble. It doesn’t mean we can avoid the battle, but He is walking with us.
On the Way to Wonder 