A Very Glad Tiding of Joy

Thursday, December 11, 2014                                                        Psalm 18:1-20

Kathy Billings

King David sings a very glad tiding of joy in this passage. In the beginning he quickly professes his love for God, his “rock, [his] fortress, and [his] deliverer.” (Psalm 18:2). One can clearly see David’s steadfast friendship with God and feel his fear of his enemies as “the cords of death encompassed [him]”. (Psalm 18:4).  Reading further into David’s account of the battle, it is no surprise that David feels so grateful and thankful for God’s rescuing of him.  According to David he literally was on the brink of death. Who doesn’t count their blessings after a near-death experience, promising to do good every minute of the day, every day of the year, forever and forever, Amen. The important thing to grasp, however, is that God swooped in and “rode a cherub” (Psalm 18:10) and saved him because David loved the Lord, conveyed that to the Lord, and then called out for his help. “He [God] delivered me, because he delighted in me.” (Psalm 18:19) “Because of the moral integrity of David, the persecution of enemies has not been the judgment of God but rather the grounds for God’s powerful help and protection.” (Harper Collins commentary) David truly loved the Lord and feared the Lord, making him good in the eyes of God and worthy of salvation.

During Advent most of us are pulled in different directions, emotionally and financially. David’s song of thanksgiving helps us to remember that if we love God and call on him for help, he will answer. Present day demands (gifts, decorations, the perfect Christmas card delivered the day after Thanksgiving!) can easily overtake a season that should be focused on the preparation and coming of Christ. God can rescue us from this predicament if we call on him.

  

Prayer: Dear God, we love you and are thankful for all you have given us.

                 Thank you for Jesus and all his teachings.

                 Thank you for your love and power.

                 Please help us to remember we need you.

                 Please help us to remember to call on you to save us. Amen.

Daily Challenge: When the stress of modern day Christmas hits you hard, take a deep breath and remember your faith – and the love and friendship and strength that comes with it – and be saved.