My God Is My Rock
Psalm 18:30–50
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:32 (NIV)

David describes in common terms what God’s intervention meant to him personally. It meant, in short, that God provided for his every need.

The terms are physical. First, his feet: “He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights” (v. 33). The words are almost identical to the ending of the book of the minor prophet Habakkuk (Hab. 3:19). Second, his hands: “He trains my hands for war” (v. 34). Third, his arms: “My arms can bend a bow of bronze” (v. 34). Fourth, his feet: “You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip” (v. 36). Interspersed with these acknowledgments are verses that say that God armed him with strength (v. 32) and gave him his own shield of victory (v. 35). As a result, David was always able to achieve a full victory over all his enemies.

Verses 37–42 describe the extent of these victories. They were complete and total. Then, lest the reader get the impression that somehow this was David’s own achievement, verses 43–45 make clear that his victories were due to God’s intervention and provision.

David was a king and a military commander, so he needed strength for and victory in battle. We do not usually need these things. But the principle holds true for us anyway, since, whatever we need, God, the same God, provides it. Is it wisdom? God is the source of wisdom, and we are told to pray for it. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). Is it peace in the midst of trouble? God is the source of peace. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27). Is it love? Joy? Patience? The Bible says, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22–23). Paul wrote, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).

Wise people have found this to be true and have therefore learned to turn to God for their needs, rather than turning to the false promises of the surrounding evil world.

There is another interesting thing about these verses. David begins by saying, quite rightly, “As for God, his way is perfect” (Ps. 18:30 NIV). But then, just two verses further on, he adds, “. . . and [he] makes my way perfect” (v. 32 NIV). So it is! A life well-ordered is a life that follows after and is obedient to the Lord.

Taken from Come to the Waters by James Boice ISBN 9798887790954 used with permission from P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg NJ 08865

Scripture quotations are from the ESV (the Holy Bible English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.