Remember the feelings associated with picking dodge ball teams in elementary? You constantly size up the opposing teams as they get assembled and evaluate your chances depending on who is on whose team. You are relieved it isn't stacked in one teams advantage, it should be fair. Until the gym teacher announces he is going to play on a team. Being about 7 or 8 years old you know you are either doomed if he picks the other team to be on or sure of victory if he takes your side. He is powerful, capable, and he can handle every aspect of the battle for you. You may not even ever have to touch the ball except to pass it back to him. Psalm 18 paints a picture of God in his power, strength and downright intimidating presence. He is unequivocal and certainly has no real match when His full power is unleashed. And it will be unleashed someday, sin and sinful people will be destroyed, but He loves us enough that He has given us time and a way to be saved before justice is carried out. Whose team are you going to want to be on when the battle takes place? Are you recruiting others to be on God's team or are you just content with saving yourself? Are you asking and trusting Him to fight your battles today?
Psalm 18 Questions -
1. What does it mean for you personally that God is your Rock, Fortress, Shield, Horn of Salvation, and Stronghold?
2. What do you need God's salvation from today?
3. Will you give him the credit for His victories in your life? Will you share your testimony with others so that the name and fame of God is known? In which areas are you still trying to take the glory instead of give the glory to God?
4. Do you feel God has let you down? Are you blaming him for a situation or making you a certain way? Will you let him transform that darkness into light?
5. (v30) Do you trust his way is perfect, that the Bible is flawless? How do you express your doubt in these truths? How do you express trust?
6. How can we use this psalm to model and equip our kids to manage life's challenges?
7. (v32-36) God enables us to fight life's battles. He doesn't always remove a trial but He always sees us through and supports us. What ways has he equipped you to be an amazing wife, mother, friend, employee, neighbor, church member, community member or any other role He's called you?
What do you possess that can fight against the evils of loneliness, hopelessness, and fear? Are you willing to fight until it is overtaken and destroyed or do you give up easily? How can you fight for your marriage, kids purity, your churches reputation, your severed relationship with a family/friend/church member?
8. Will you ask Him how you can serve Him instead of asking Him to serve your needs and interests? Are your requests to God for His glory or your comfort?
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