April 14, 2021 -- Psalm 18:1-3 -- The LORD my Stronghold!

I love you, O LORD, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3 English Standard Version

The very first Psalm notes: Blessed is the man….[whose] delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (verse 1a, 2b). By carefully examining this bible text over many days, we are meditating on the word of God—seeking God’s blessing—the very blessing His word promises us.

The Name of God repeated three times in this passage is ‘LORD’. The One to Whom we are bringing our love and to Whom we cry out is the very One Who has promised He will hear the cries of His people. He is God. He is perfect. He is able, loving and willing to help His people. He knows our infirmities and our sinfulness. Yet, in Christ He has reached out and called us His own. Therefore in view of His great promises, based on His Word and the Spirit Who lives in us, we declare our love for God. And in confidence approach the throne of grace to find help in our time of need.

In Hebrew poetry, one line is followed by the next which has synonyms, word intensifiers. So, the first line of verse 2 includes “my fortress” and the parallel intensifier is “my stronghold”. In Isaiah this word means “unassailable fortifications”. When believers are surrounded by their enemies—and believers will be surrounded by troubles and enemies because our Master Jesus faced hatred, how much more so will His servants face these for their devotion to Him but Jesus’ resurrection proves He has overcome the world (John 16:1-4;33)—they can have this sure comfort Christ Himself is our unassailable stronghold. We know this sure truth Jesus has power over life and over death and more than this, He has power to bring believers to eternal life with Him or to throw wicked ones to eternal agonies in hell. He is My Stronghold for life now and for eternity. I love You, O LORD, my strength!

I love You, O LORD, my strength! As I meditate on Your Word, by Your Spirit’s on-going work in me, increase my love for You, Triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. By the Word which is drilling into me, deeper than my fears and insecurities, let the truth that You are the unassailable fortification of my life make me bold to declare Your love and teach others Your ways. LORD, You are worthy to be praised. Amen.

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