Seize the Moment – Day 805
Walk with Complete Dependence and Absolute Loyalty!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Tuesday, May 31.
David pens a psalm of praise for God’s deliverance in his life, expressing his complete dependence and absolute loyalty to the God of Israel, starting with these words in 2 Samuel 22:2-4:
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 and my refuge; my savior, You save me from violence. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
This song of David is virtually identical to Psalm 18, so why do we find it near the end of this book? The author of Samuel was bookending his work, which began with Hannah’s song of praise for God’s provision, starting with these words in 1 Samuel 2:1-2:
My heart exults in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord, my mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation. There is no one holy like the Lord, indeed, there is no one besides You, nor is there any rock like our God.
In the Hebrew Bible, Samuel was originally in the format of one book, not two. The author’s intent was to encourage the people of the divided kingdom to walk with the Lord in covenant faithfulness – with complete dependence and absolute loyalty to Him in all circumstances.
David and Hannah’s songs, the bookends of Samuel, emphasize the sovereignty of God, who is powerful to act, bringing about His purposes from their dire circumstances, for the good of God’s people and His glory. God, Israel’s rock, was the only hope in their time of dire need!
Seize the moment and praise God for His power and provision to bring about His purposes in all circumstances, put your hope in Him alone!